PDEA chief challenges barangay officials to intensify efforts vs illegal drugs

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro S. Lapeña challenged the officers and members of Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas during their national assembly in Marriot Grand Ballroom, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, recently.

Lapeña said, ” As indicated in Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and the Local Government Code, all Barangay officials have a role to play in the national anti-drug campaign. It is either you are with us or you are against us! If your barangay is drug affected and you did not take action to address the problem or clear your barangay, you can be tagged as protectors”.

He cited the incident in Barangay Ermita in Cebu, where PDEA Regional Director Yogi Felimon Ruiz filed cases against non-cooperative barangay captains due to their refusal to support an anti-illegal drug operation on November 6, 2016.

The theme of the activity was “Building Capabilities and Sustaining Momentum for Positive Change” with the following objectives: 1) Building grassroots development capabilities; 2) Coping with the programs and target achievements of the government; 3) Sharing positive experiences and social bonding; and 4) Reviewing the Liga Constitution and By-Laws to address identified areas of concern and challenges.

With the recent activation of Operation: Double Barrel Reloaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been reloaded, PDEA leads the Barangay Clearing Program and assists in the conduct of investigation of suspected drug personalities. In addition, PDEA’s presence is mandatory in PNP anti-drug operations for high-value targets (HVTs) and high-impact operations (HIOs).

According to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 40% of barangay officials are linked to illegal drugs. The PDEA Chief has suggested a target of 30% of barangays must be cleared yearly with the hope of totally eradicating the drug menace in four years.

As of March 29, 2017, the National Capital Region has the highest drug affectation of 97.30% with the cities of Caloocan, Navotas, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa and Taguig obtaining a 100%, while Las Pinas has the least affectation of 55%.

Since July 1 last year, 39 Barangay Chairmen and 53 Barangay Kagawads have been arrested due to involvement in illegal drugs. (PDEA)