DILG urges barangay execs to back peace, order drive

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging barangay executives to support the Marcos administration’s campaign to maintain peace and order and eliminate the illegal drug trade in communities.

Barangay officials should help local police in protecting the public and maintaining security as force multipliers, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos.

“As the frontliners in government service, our barangay officials are in a very strategic position to help our police force in securing our kababayans. Our barangay tanods or Bantay Bayan serve as force multipliers of our uniformed personnel in ensuring peace and order and combating illegal drugs,” Abalos said in a statement.

He added that barangays have a big role to play in addressing illegal drugs, especially through the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

He also commended barangay officials for being at the frontlines of the government’s COVID-19 response, such as the distribution of assistance and ensuring compliance with minimum public health standards.

Abalos assured them that the DILG is committed to capacitating all local officials to ensure that they are fully equipped to perform their elected duties.

“Focus on the work that you need to do, extend help to those who greatly need it and be assured that whatever you may require in accomplishing this grand task, we will do our very best to provide for and assist with in any way that we can,” he told barangay officials during the 2022 National Barangay Congress in Pasay City.