Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has hailed anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs) as the unsung heroes in the government's grassroots campaign against illegal drugs. ADACs, comprising multi-sectoral bodies, are pivotal in formulating and implementing local anti-drug abuse strategies.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the 2023 ADAC Performance Awards in Quezon City, Abalos underscored the crucial role of ADACs in the DILG's Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) program, emphasizing their frontline status in the fight against drugs. He celebrated the ADACs for their indispensable contribution to protecting the nation's future and children from the perils of illegal drugs.
During the awards ceremony, 246 local government units were recognized for their exceptional achievements in combating illegal drugs in their areas. The selection criteria were based on ADAC functionality, the sustainability of drug-free status, and the rate of graduates versus enrollees in the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).
In a related development, Abalos mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in the process of choosing a successor for outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. He emphasized that the selection would focus on performance and crime reduction. Acorda, set to retire on December 3, has served the PNP for 37 years and is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991.