This directive comes from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., following the successful placement of ten police officers within families negatively impacted by drugs in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City.
During the 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan' (BIDA) stakeholders dialogue held at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headquarters in Taguig City, Abalos revealed that through the residential placements of these police officers, who are part of the Revitalized Police in Barangay (RPSB) program, it was discovered that a majority of the residents in these drug-ridden communities are barely literate.
Many residents also lack regular employment, face family issues, and do not have birth certificates.
Abalos further added that the community has grown fond of the resident police officers and has gained their trust and respect.
In addition to community immersion, the BIDA program also provides temporary employment to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) under the cash-for-work program of the Department of Labor and Employment.
"In the whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, whole-of community approach of BIDA, we cut both the fruit and the root of the illegal drug problem. The problem with illegal drugs cannot be won by technology, it cannot be won by money but it can be won by hearts," said Abalos.
Among the stakeholders who attended the event at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City included national government agencies, local government units, the private sector, academia, the judiciary, and the religious sector.
(Photo from Ben Abalos' Facebook Page)
