R-PSB program to help in govt anti-drug drive
THE Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay R-PSB) program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will now play a major role in the government’s anti-drug drive spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Journal Group learned.
PNP Director for Police-Community Relations Major General Edgar Alan O. Okubo presented to DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. the R-PSB’s anti-drug strategy anchored on the DILG’s BIDA (Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga ay Iwasan) program.
Okubo presented the R-PSB concept in fighting the drug menace to the DILG leadership.
Okubo has been ordered by PNP Chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. to spearhead the PNP program to bring better government service to the ‘poorest of the poor’ as part of the PNP’s effort to address the decades-long communist insurgency.
Okubo told DILG officials their R-PSB program really has proven its effectiveness in addressing insurgency problem in many parts of the country and has also been proven to be effective as an anti-illegal drugs strategy as evidenced by its accomplishments in various R-PSB deployments in the National Capital Region.
“Their objective is to sustain the initial gains of the BIDA program, prevent the resurgence of drug affectation in the already drug-cleared barangays, insulate the unaffected communities from drug affectation and most of all secure and ensure the implementation of BIDA projects and initiatives that will result in a safe and drug-free communities,” said Okubo.
Abalos applauded the program and assured his all-out support for the already institutionalized police strategy.
The DILG chief will also be presenting the same concept to all Regional Peace and Order Councils in the country for its immediate implementation.
Okubo said mentoring barangay officials by PNP personnel has helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of affected barangays in complying the requirements for drug-cleared barangays.
He added that the school involvement through Barkada Kontra Droga has likewise improved the youth participation in the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs and at the same time created an impact on the conducive environment in the school.
