DILG bats for ‘BIDA’ advocates

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Friday said it is encouraging the public to become “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or “BIDA” advocates to put an end to the country’s illegal drugs problem.

The BIDA program is set to be launched today in Quezon City and other key areas in the country.

BIDA is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units, national government agencies and other key sectors of the society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities underscoring the role of drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and others.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said that the illegal drugs problem is a deep-seated issue that has continued to destroy relationships, families and the future of the youth, and it is high time for all sectors of the society to make a stand and do their part through the BIDA program.

Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office in July this year, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the confiscation of some P9.7 billion-worth of various illegal drugs confiscated and the arrest of 22,646 drug personalities in 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide.

Abalos said the anti-drugs campaign under the administration of Marcos pioneers a different approach that will work “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”