To accelerate efforts against illegal drugs in communities and to promote involvement of local barangays in the suppression of drug trafficking and abuse, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reiterates its call for the creation of anti-drug abuse councils nationwide.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. said this in light of the recent issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 2015-63 by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which signifies that barangays, as the first line of defense, should lead the fight against illegal drugs through the campaign, “Mamamayan, Sugpuin ang Iligal na Droga, or MASID”.
“The Memorandum Circular, signed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas on June 16, 2015, was issued to emphasize the importance of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, or BADACs, to eliminate the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in their neighborhood and their role in drug-clearing operations,” Cacdac said.
“The BADACs were deputized and empowered to plan and implement strategic policies; and evaluate programs and projects on drug prevention and control, given the political and police powers of the barangay to administer the affairs of the community,” Cacdac added.
Every BADAC are compose of the following officers:
a. Chairperson:Punong Barangay;
b. Vice Chairperson: Sangguniang Barangay Member/“Kagawad”
(Chair of Peace and Order);
c. Members: Sangguniang Barangay Member/“Kagawad”
(Chair of Women and Family);
SK Chair;
School Principal (Public) or Representative;
Executive Officer/Chief Tanod;
Representative of a Non-Government Organization (NGO)/Civil Society;
Representative of a Faith-based Organization (i.e.
Ugnayan ng Barangay at mga Simbahan or UBAS); and
d. Adviser: City/Municipal Chief of Police or Representative
The MC 2015-63 explicitly states that in failure of concerned local authorities and officials to appropriate a substantial portion of their Annual Budgets to assist in or enhance the enforcement of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as mandatorily required by law in all budget preparations, shall be a ground for disapproval of their Annual Budget on review and for possible administrative case of dereliction of duty pursuant to Section 60 of the Local Government Code.
In case of failure of the local officials to take appropriate measures to enforce the provisions of RA 9165 after being notified by PDEA, the PNP and other law enforcement agencies that illegal drug activities are happening within the area of their jurisdiction, shall be considered as evidence against them enough to merit administrative charges, gross negligence or dereliction of duties.
Worse, if the local official is the one engaged in the manufacture, sale, delivery, transportation and use of illegal drugs or who may have benefited therefrom, he or she shall be dealt with criminally and administratively pursuant to the anti-drug law.
“A barangay is considered to be the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines. Though small in structure, the battle against drug abuse and trafficking at the community and street
levels definitely starts here,” Cacdac said, citing the creation and strengthening of BADACs is important in maintaining a pro-active stand in shielding the common people from the drug menace. (Mr. Glenn J. Malapad, OIC, Public Information Office, PDEA)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
