THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Monday said anti-illegal drug operations and arrest of drug offenders will continue with the same fervor under the new multi-sectoral flagship program “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA.

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. said there would be no letup in anti-illegal drug raids and operations by law enforcement units under the new BIDA program aside from giving focus on demand reduction and rehabilitation of drug users.

“Hindi pa rin titigil ang mga raid sa drug dens at sa pagtugis ng pulisya at iba pang autoridad sa mga drug lords, financiers at sa mga naglalako ng droga. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin yan,” said Abalos.

He said the government counts on the support of communities and all sectors of society in going after illegal drug syndicates by reporting suspicious activities in their areas to the authorities.

“Hindi lang dapat ang pulisya ang kumilos. Katuwang natin ang mga mamamayan sa kampanya laban sa droga. Lahat tayo ay dapat kumikilos at maging BIDA advocates,” he stressed.

“Samantala, bibigyan rin ng pokus ng BIDA ang pag-alalay sa mga nalulong sa bawal na gamot para tuluyan silang magbagong-buhay,” he added.

BIDA program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs program that focuses on demand reduction and rehabilitation using a more intensified and “holistic” approach involving the national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other key sectors down to the grassroots level within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, complemented by socio-economic development.

The DILG secretary said the country’s anti-illegal drugs drive has, in fact, been gaining ground as some 24,159 drug personalities have been arrested from July 1 to November 24, 2022, alone under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

He said some P9.9-billion worth of illegal drugs have also been confiscated in various drug operations during the same period, including 990 kilograms of illegal drugs worth P6.7 billion in Tondo Manila; P408 million worth of shabu in Pampanga; and P173 million worth of shabu in Quezon City.

“Ang mga numerong ito ay maliwanag na indikasyon na patuloy ang ating maigting na law enforcement kontra droga. Patuloy tayong manghuhuli ng mga drug pushers at mga drug lords,” he said.

The DILG chief also called on the various sectors to be one with the government in nipping the very roots of the illegal drug menace.

“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,” he said.

Last Saturday, some 25,000 people trooped to the Quezon City Memorial Circle for the nationwide BIDA grand launching and pledged their all-out support to the said campaign.

Among those who joined the QC event were PNP Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia; National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chair and Executive Officer Alberto A. Bernado; Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Louie Puracan; Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Jail Director Allan S. Iral; Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando Artes; Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Jose Emmanuel Eala; Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua; Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Undersectary Gilberto D.C. Cruz; and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Deputy Director Pierre Bucsit.

Meanwhile, among the local officials who attended the launch were Malabon City Mayor Jennie Sandoval; San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora; Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco; Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto; Marikina City Vice Mayor Marion Andres; Pasig City Administrator Atty. Jeron Manzanero; Quezon City 4th District Councilor Nanette Daza; and Quezon City 5th District Councilor Mutya Castelo.

Aside from the QC event, simultaneous BIDA launching activities were also held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.