MANILA, Philippines – Despite their being the lowest local chief executives, Philippine National Police Director General Rolando "Bato" Dela Rosa recognized the importance of barangay captains in the government's campaign against illegal drugs.
Speaking at the 115th anniversary of the police service in Davao City, Dela Rosa mentioned how President Rodrigo Duterte reminded him to appreciate the service of the community leaders.
“Every time na mag-engage ka sa community, do not forget the importance of the role of the barangay captains,” the PNP chief said, recalling Duterte's message to him.
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“Dahil ngayon sa giyera natin sa droga, napakalaki ng role ng barangay captain,” he continued.
The 54-year-old chief described their roles as “very crucial” and added that the police would not be able to zero in on sources and traffickers of illegal drugs without the help of barangay captains.
Dela Rosa took the opportunity to call on the whole league of community leaders to support the government or they will be tagged as protectors of drug users and pushers.
“Dapat maraming kapitan ang involved sa kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga, kasi kung hindi, sigurado involved sila sa distribution ng droga,” the former Davao City police chief said.
Dela Rosa is leading the president's crusade against illegal drugs and the mission to clean up the country within three to six months since assuming their posts.
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The drive has reached the point of publicly naming officials who are allegedly behind the drug trade in the country from asking shabu users and drug lords to surrender.
Meanwhile, most drug users and peddlers who are caught or killed and denied of due process belong to the barangay levels in which crucial information came from community leaders.
However, there are still reports of barangay captains being nabbed due to possession of illegal drugs, using or, worst of all, peddling.