The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) said the government’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA program has gained strong support from various sectors in the area, an official said on Thursday.
“These groups come from the different sectors in the region such as the academe, religious, civil society organizations, and the media,” Maj. Jennifer Ometer, PRO-13 information chief, said in an interview.
At least 77 advocacy support groups have pledged their commitment to support the program during the BIDA validation process on Wednesday, she said.
Ometer said the PRO-13 and the Department of the Interior and Local Government welcomed the support of the groups that would reinforce the continuing fight against the drug menace in the area.
Wednesday’s event was graced by Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, the Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration; Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, the PNP acting director for operations; lawyer Cherry Ann Dela Cruz, president of the Anti-Crime Coalition for Peace and Progress International.
In a statement issued Thursday, PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said the fight against illegal drugs requires a multifaceted approach.
“We commit to more substantial strides both in demand and supply reduction of illegal drugs, and to strengthen our partnerships and collaboration with all our stakeholders on this cause,” Kraft said.
Meanwhile, Sermonia lauded the support of the stakeholders in the region in the fight against illegal drugs.
“We want all of you to be our strong partners in this continuous anti-illegal drug campaign of the PNP that incorporates transparency and integrity. You are also our partners in advocating internal discipline to our personnel to make them respectable, reliable, and well-disciplined,” he said.
Early last month, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the BIDA program launch in the region.
Since its launch, different anti-illegal drug activities have been conducted by the PRO-13 with the support of the advocacy groups.
The activities include information drives and symposiums on school campuses, local government units, and other institutions. (PNA)
