Presidential Assistant Urges Collaborative Efforts in Anti-Drug Campaign
Dumaguete City, Philippines – Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terence Calatrava emphasized the importance of joint efforts between government and private stakeholders in combating the illegal drug trade, a key initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This statement was made during his keynote address at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.
According to Philippines News Agency, the approach to addressing the nation’s drug problem must evolve to include cooperative partnerships. He highlighted this during the Sustained Barangay Drug Clearing Multi-Sectoral and Workplace Resiliency with Transparency and Integrity Program, led by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Calatrava stressed that the illegal drug trade and substance abuse are significant threats to Filipino families, impacting their safety and well-being.
He also emphasized the need for effective law enforcement to complement these efforts, reflecting the values and principles advocated by President Marcos Jr. Lt. Gen. Rodel Sermonia, deputy PNP chief for Administration (Transparency and Integrity Program), supported this stance. He urged barangay officials to participate in the Transparency and Integrity Program, citing their crucial role in national development.
Sermonia referenced the recent assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo, noting that it led to the implementation of three major PNP policies aimed at improving the organization and its workforce. These include the Internal Disciplinary Mechanism Policy, Police Operational Procedures, and the Doctrine of Command Responsibility. He acknowledged that the PNP faced criticism during the Senate investigation into Degamo’s murder and other incidents, with some police personnel implicated in the crimes or failing in their duties.
In his bilingual address, Sermonia called on all community sectors to engage in the PNP’s Transparency and Integrity Program, advocating for internal discipline among police personnel. He also proposed expanding the barangay drug clearing program to a wider sectoral level, thereby strengthening the anti-drug campaign and enhancing global police-community relations.
Earlier in the day, a symposium on the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program was held, providing updates on the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) campaign. This initiative involves local government units, national agencies, and various sectors, offering a comprehensive approach to the drug problem. The event also featured the signing of an agreement between stakeholders, government agencies, and the Anti-Crime Coalition for Peace and Progress International (ACCPPI), demonstrating a united front against illegal drugs.