Tabogon reactivates BADACs

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the provincial government’s effort to curb illegal drugs most especially in the grassroots level, the town of Tabogon has activated the different Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

The Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission earlier urged local government units to reactivate its BADAC.

In a report posted on the Capitol’s official website, Loong Barangay Captain and Liga ng mga Barangay – Tabogon chapter vice president Merlino Alivio identified illegal drugs as one of the biggest problems in his barangay.

Alivio shared the league of the barangays was encouraged to activate BADACs in their town after understanding the drug situation in Cebu Province during the league’s Annual General Assembly last July 16 to 18 this year.

Tabogon’s municipal anti-drug abuse council is headed by Mayor Zigfred Duterte and co-headed by the town’s police chief, Inspector Bonifacio Pareja. Tabogon has a total of 25 barangays.

Duterte reminded the barangay officials of their duty as BADAC members who should be in the first line of defense against illegal drugs.

“You are the town’s frontliners in terms of information and action. Without your support, we cannot achieve our goals in our campaign against illegal drugs. The same goes for the Province and PDEA,” said Duterte.

Duterte said illegal drugs were rampant in the town long before he became a public official. Although, the problem has already been minimized through cooperation with the local police.

“I advised Inspector Pareja to face and solve drug-related problems in Tabogon. And indeed, at least 80% of the problem has been solved through their operations,” he said.

Pareja emphasized that even before the oath-taking, some of the town’s barangay officials have already been working hand-in-hand with the town police in the fight against illegal drugs.

He commended Tabogon police for its success in anti-drug operations to the officials.

“Most (of our) operations conducted are based on tips and information given to us by you (barangay officials),” he said.

For its part, the Capitol assured assistance to the BADACs. However, Joey Hererra, the executive director of CPADAC, urged BADACs to be strong-willed in reporting to the town local chief executive and chief of police of the drug situation.

“Kung kamo mahadlok mosumbong ni Mayor ug ni Hepe, wala sila’y mahimo. Unsaon nila pagtabang ninyo.  This is our chance to cleanse our community from drugs,” he said.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 director Jeffrey Bangsa said the fight against illegal drugs is a fight of all.

“Ang laban sa droga ay dapat pagtulung-tulungan upang madaling masugpo. Hindi po kaya ng PDEA at PNP lamang,” said Bangsa.  (FREEMAN)