Anti-illegal drugs drive
THE government’s elaborately-orchestrated anti-illegal drugs campaign is seen to transform former drug dependents into highly-productive citizens of the community.
In fact, more than 650,000 drug surrenderers are now back to their normal lives after undergoing rehabilitation programs of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Deviating from the previous administration’s bloody war against the drug menace, today’s strategy calls for the holistic approach to the nation’s illegal drug problem.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., an Ilocano like President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., said this is the new face of the agency’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Azurin said “we are hitting hard on the sources of illegal drugs to disrupt or break the supply chain,” adding rehabilitation plays a key role in the ongoing anti-drugs drive.
He said “we are pursuing the demand reduction strategy with renewed vigor by promoting drug abuse awareness prevention and resistance education…among the vulnerable sectors of society.”
Likewise, General Azurin acknowledged the importance of the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. had earlier said that the BIDA Program is in line with the commitment of President Marcos to pursue the campaign against illegal drugs.
But the campaign ought to be pursued within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights. It focuses on drug rehabilitation and socio-economic development.
We share Abalos’ view that the drive needs the support of local governments, partner state agencies, and other stakeholders to effectively advocate drug demand reduction.
Oo nga naman!
