THE Eastern Police District (EPD) headed by Brigadier General Wilson C. Asueta on Sunday maintained its status as a leading implementor of the BIDA or Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga ay Ayawan’ program of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. in Metro Manila, the Journal Group learned.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) 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.

“Sa ating lahat, ang hamon ay ugatin natin ang problema ng droga. Dito sa BIDA, hindi lang kapulisan at iba pang law enforcement units ang kikilos, hanggang grassroots kasama natin dapat dito.

Lahat tayo, magtulungan, iyan ang hinihingi namin. Life is truly worth living. Say no to drugs at maging BIDA tayong lahat laban sa iligal na droga,” said Sec. Abalos.

Maj. Gen. Estomo said that under the measure, they are further improving their Recovery and Wellness Program. He said that more than 4,400 former drug dependents from the metropolis are slated to finish the program last month. They will join the nearly 14,000 who have already graduated from the NCRPO program.

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.

As a result of those lectures, nine drug users surrendered to the EPD and joined more than 200 others who enrolled in the EPD drug rehabilitation program.

The EPD says that a total of 2,427 drug users have already graduated from the program which they have been conducting with the support of LGUs and other active partners and stakeholders.

Brig. Gen. Asueta said that so far, 64 out of 94 barangays in the EPD jurisdiction have already been given the ‘drug-cleared’ status with San Juan City already getting the ‘Provisionary Drug-Cleared City’ status.

The NCRPO leadership has cited the EPD for its effective implementation of anti-criminality measures leading to less occurrence of eight focus crimes in its four cities. The feat has earned the EPD the distinction of being a role model of Excellence, Professionalism and Discipline.

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.

The Philippine National Police leadership headed by General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. has given its all-out support to the BIDA program by launching the scheme in different parts of the country.

Last week, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia led the rollout of the program in Misamis Oriental where a BIDA carawan was conducted in relation to the PNP’s Revitalized KASIMBAYANAN program which calls for a much bigger partnership between the police force, the Church and the community.

Sec. Abalos has been presenting the ill effects of illegal drugs and emphasizing the importance of fighting against them during the BIDA rollout.

“What I want is for each and every youth here to shepherd your friends and have the confidence to say ‘No to Drugs’. As the police and NBI are working on the ground, we are also educating our youth and teaching them to say no. Together, we will win the fight against drugs,” the DILG chief said.

Gen. Azurin said the BIDA program demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to reduce the demand for drugs in communities.

“The BIDA roll-out and caravan in Misamis Oriental serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against illegal drugs. It is a step in the right direction and a model for other LGUs to follow. We must continue to work together and be vigilant in our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs and keep our communities safe,” Gen. Azurin said.