EPD leads implementation of BIDA program
THE Eastern Police District headed by Brigadier General Wilson C. Asueta maintained its status as a leading implementor of the BIDA or Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga ay Ayawan’ program of Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. in Metro Manila, the Journal Group learned.
National Capital Region Police Office director Major Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo earlier pledged to provide all-out support to the DILG’s BIDA program which was launched by Sec. Abalos in Quezon City on November 22 last year.
“With the brilliance and attainability of the program, your police force is certain and optimistic to gain better results in its intensified illegal drug operations to fully eliminate the widespread use and sale of illegal drugs in Metro Manila,” Estomo said.
The BIDA program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs’ plan of action involving Local Government Units, National Government Agencies and other key sectors of the society including faith-based organizations.
Its primary goal is to reduce drug demands and provide community-based drug rehabilitation in addition to arrests of drug offenders.
The official has cited the EPD for making huge strides in their implementation of the DILG’s BIDA program.
Since the NCRPO launched the program last year, the Team EPD ‘Pamarisan’ went to work to further intensify its operational and administrative measures to eliminate the drug problem in San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Marikina cities.
Records showed that from November 25 to last January 31, the EPD has become an NCRPO prime mover in the effective implantation of the BIDA program by conducting 263 anti-drug operations which led in the arrest of 392 suspects and the confiscation of an estimated 14.5 kilograms of shabu valued at P19.6 million.
The EPD during the period also conducted over 600 drug awareness lectures which saw its speakers addressing over 17,000 participants mostly residing in overpopulated areas in the eastern part of the metropolis.
Maj. Gen. Estomo said that the EPD accomplishments can be attributed to the effective implementation of its S.A.F.E. or short for a police force that can be ‘Seen, Appreciated and Felt by the people through their extraordinary deeds in Metro Manila.
