THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao said not a single barangay in the region has been sued, as all Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (Badacs) are functioning to address drug menace by implementing rehabilitation programs.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier warned barangay officials that they will face administrative charges should they fail to activate their Badac.
Speaking during Kapehan sa Dabaw at The Annex of SM City Davao on Monday, September 3, PDEA-Davao Director Antonio Rivera said none has been charged in Davao.
"In Davao, wala (pang naihabla) because all barangays are functioning as far as their Badac is concern. In Davao region, wala tayong problema," Rivera said.
Last June, the DILG gave the newly-elected barangay officials 60 days to activate their Badacs and make it functioning under their Memorandum Circular 2015.
Badac is considered the first line of defense against the proliferation of prohibited drugs in the community, since its members primarily consist of village officials and barangay sectoral representatives who have first-hand information about members of their communities.
Admitting that there are still barangays that are drug affected, Rivera said they are on track with their efforts to clear these villages from illegal drugs through their constant drug clearing operations.
"They are very active especially sa mga municipality and sa ating provinces. In fact, they lead the Community-Based Rehabilitation and After Care Program," he said.
