No one would be spared from the government's crackdown against illegal drugs as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. enjoined law enforcers to be role models in the campaign to eradicate the menace. 'We have to make a statement. We are going to show our people that the government is serious about this war on drugs. There will be house cleansing, and no one will be spared, " Abalos said in a statement Tuesday, in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT). Abalos said the theme of this year's observance "People First: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention" is in line with the principle of the government's Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) of putting primacy on prevention and rehabilitation. 'We do not believe in shortcuts. We believe in the rule of law. Trust in government must be sustained. Everyone has a role in this fight. We will increase awareness against the use of illegal drugs, strengthen our community-based drug rehabilitation program, empower the youth, engage with the business sector, and promote an active lifestyle,' he added. Abalos previously announced the conduct of random drug testing in the DILG, its attached agencies, and local governments as part of the Department's BIDA Program. At least 50 police officers have also been file with criminal and administrative cases for allegedly committing irregularities in the seizure of PHP6.7 billion worth of 'shabu' in October last year. 'The aim of this year's campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion,' the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said of this year's IDADAIT
Source: Philippines News Agency
