Mabalacat City Mayor Marino ‘Boking’ Morales has convened the members of the Barangay Anti- Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) from 27 barangays here to implement and intensify the Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded, in accord with the marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Don’t wait to be charged administratively. Let us work hand in hand with focus and passion to make Mabalacat a drug-free city. Kapag hindi naging drug-cleared ang barangay ninyo you will be eliminated in the October 2017 elections,” warned Morales during the BADAC symposium on Tuesday at Jade Hall, Xevera Lot Only in Tabun.
The local chief executive also mandated the BADACS to hold a monthly meeting to evaluate, strategize and implement the action plan on drug abuse prevention programs within their jurisdiction.
During the conference, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region III Director Juvenal Azurin reiterated that BADACs must serve as first line of defense through the campaign “Mamamayan, Sugpuin ang Iligal na Droga” (MASID).
PDEA Public Information Officer Glenn Guillermo has reminded the local officials on the possible sanctions of non-compliance with the Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution No. 4 Series of 2016. The DDB resolution directs all Punong Barangay to organize or revitalize their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in accordance with DILG MC 2015-63; appropriate substantial portion from their annual budget to fund their anti-drug abuse related programs, projects and activities; and submit the names of BADAC members and their plan of action.
Moreover, Morales said the one million peso project-based incentive to each of the 18 drug-free barangays will only be turned over after the revalidation and approval of PDEA.
The barangays include Bical, Poblacion, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Mamatitang, Tabun, Dolores, Santo Rosario, Sta. Maria, Mangalit, Paralayunan, Bundagul, Sapang Balen, Mawaque Resettlement Center, Santa Ines, Macapagal Village, Calumpang and Cacutud.
On the same event, Mabalacat Police Superintendent Juritz Rara reported that Calumpang, Dolores and Macapagal Village are subject to revalidation.
“May mga na-monitor po kaming drug activities sa mga lugar na ito noong muling inumpisahan ang Double Barrel nitong March 7 kaya back to zero po ang validation kahit na drug-cleared na ang mga barangays na ito,” Rara said.
From March 7 up to date, Mabalacat police have conducted six drug operations and have arrested nine drug personalities.
From July 1, 2016 to February 24 of 2017, a total of 2,016 households were visited, 2,000 drug users have surrendered and 16 pushers were arrested under the Double Barrel and Double Barrel Alpha.
Currently, there are three enrollees at the Bahay Pagbabago (reformation center) at Barangay Sapang Biabas. Some 53 reformists have graduated and are now non-drug dependents.
Present during the BADAC symposium are Association of Barangay Chairman President Dr. Oscar Aurelio, City Local Government Operations Officer Rita Gotiangco, Operation Help for Peace Foundation President Maribel Sison, members of the Air Force and the Multisectoral Alliance.
“Asahan yu pu ing suporta ning city government at Sangguniang Panlungsod kareng kailangan yu para maging drug-free ya ing kekatamung siyudad Mabalacat”, Vice Mayor Christian Halili said.