Republic of the Philippines

DILG’S EASTER MESSAGE Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. Secretary This Easter, as we celebrate the season of rebirth, renewal and hope, let’s also embrace the opportunity for unity and progress in our communities and beyond. Easter’s message of resurrection and new beginnings reminds us that, together, we can overcome challenges and build a brighter future for all. Let us unite as a people, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our willingness to work towards common goals. May this time of reflection encourage us to act with kindness, compassion, and understanding, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. Together, let us commit to building bridges of understanding and empathy, so that we may move forward as one, united in our shared humanity, towards the continued progress of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy and meaningful Easter!

Following the success of the community policing strategy in Muntinlupa City, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos plans to deploy more police officers in drug-affected barangays. The move is for the cops to fully understand the situation on the ground and help address the problems of residents, as part of the implementation of Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program. This, as Abalos cited the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as one of the effective approaches of the BIDA program in addressing the perennial drug problem in the country. “In the whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, whole-of community approach of BIDA, pinuputol natin pareho ang bunga at ang ugat mismo sa problema ng iligal na droga,” he said. The DILG chief issued the statement during the BIDA Stakeholders Dialogue on Monday at the National Capital Region Police Office ( NCRPO) headquarters in Taguig City. Abalos commended the NCRPO headed by Regional Director PMGEN Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. for deploying 10 police officers to live among informal settler families in drug affected Barangay Putatan in Muntinlupa. During the immersion of the RPSB team, they helped address some of the common concerns of the residents. They found out that most of them lack birth certificates and could hardly read and write. The cops endeared themselves to residents as they helped address their problems, thus gaining their trust and respect. Abalos added another BIDA intervention is the provision of temporary employment to former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the cash-for-work program of the Department of Labor and Employment. During the said dialogue, the DILG met with stakeholders to find common strategies for collaboration on various developmental concerns. These issues include unemployment, education, integration to the community, drug-related crimes, and family and community relations. Among the sectors represented were national government agencies, local government units, private sector, academe, judiciary, and the religious sector. “The problem with illegal drugs cannot be won by technology, it cannot be won by money but it can be won by hearts,” Abalos pointed out. He underscored: “Kaya magtulungan tayo, for the sake of our children and the future of our children.” ###

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos thanked the around 60k anti-illegal drugs advocates from various sectors who showed their support for the recent ‘Lakad Kontra Droga, BIDA Tayong Lahat!’ or ‘BIDA Walk.’ Held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last Saturday, the BIDA Walk was the highlight of the first-year anniversary of the country’s flagship anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program. “Natutuwa ang mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sa ipinakita nating pagkakaisa laban sa iligal na droga. Kaya nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng gumising ng maaga para ipakita ang kanilang suporta para sa BIDA program at nakilahok sa ating BIDA Walk noong Sabado,” he said. “Ituloy-tuloy lang natin ang ating pagkilos at pagiging bida laban sa droga para tuluyan nang maging drug-free ang ating bansa,” he added. The DILG Chief led the 60K anti-illegal drug advocates at the event, which also included San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and former Senator Manny Pacquiao. Representatives from various sectors, including the religious community, parent groups, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, local government personnel, and a group of recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs), were also present to show their support. Uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) ensured peace and order within and around the perimeters of the starting points at the CCP Open Grounds, Cuneta Astrodome, both in Pasay City and SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City, as well as at the MOA Concert grounds. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were on standby to provide first aid and act as first responders in the event of an untoward incident. Also, personnel from the DILG, its nearby Regional Offices, and attached agencies were present to show their unwavering support for the BIDA program. “Malaki din ang pasasalamat ko sa aking DILG Family; mula sa mga civilian personnel hanggang sa mga uniformed men and women from the PNP, BFP & BJMP. This would not have been a successful event without your continuous support for the BIDA Program,” Abalos said. “Sama-sama nating ipakita sa madla at sa mundo na tunay silang makakaasa sa ating pagiging Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahang mga lingkod-bayan kontra ilegal na droga,” he added. Abalos also thanked the BIDA program’s partners: the SM Supermalls, Jollibee Foods Corporation and other private companies, and the most sought-after talents from partner entertainment networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN. ###

Abalos reports BIDA’s 1st year results in 95,790 arrested, P21-B drugs seized, 177 cops charged Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Saturday announced that the first year of the government’s centerpiece Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program has resulted in 95,790 drug users being arrested and P21-B worth of illegal drugs seized. Abalos made the declaration during the 1st-anniversary celebration of the BIDA program, during which he led thousands of participants from various sectors in the ‘Lakad Kontra Droga, BIDA Tayong Lahat!’ at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. “In one year, we held 1,200 BIDA events supported by close to 400,000 participants,” he said. The DILG chief continued: “We’ve got 75,831 drug operations, 95,790 arrested drug personalities, P 21 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs confiscated.” Abalos revealed that as a consequence of the BIDA campaign, there were also 177 police personnel who were slapped with drug-related charges. He continued that 28,000 barangays all across the country are now declared to be drug-free, describing the same as one of the biggest achievements of the BIDA program. Despite this, Abalos maintained that the campaign will continue to be relentless: “Hindi ibig sabihin na drug-free ang barangay nyo ay titigilan na namin. We will continue to monitor because there is a risk na baka bumalik.” Aside from the successful anti-drug campaign, Abalos also highlighted the rehabilitation and reintegration aspect of BIDA, which yielded 1,534 LGUs with their own community-based drug rehabilitation (CBDR) program. The CBDR program catered to 20,360 enrollees, 74 brand-new inpatient rehabilitation facilities serving 31,426 persons who use drugs (PWUDs), and 246 anti-drug abuse councils (ADAC) exemplary awardees in the past year. He was joined by former Senator Manny Pacquiao and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora joined Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos and thousands of anti-illegal drugs advocates during the activity. The participants marched from the CCP Open Grounds, and Cuneta Astrodome, both in Pasay City; and the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. They then headed towards the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City where the program was held. Representatives from the recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs) group, religious sector, parents’ organizations, and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) officials also reaffirmed their support of the program during the event. To further address the stigma faced by former PWUDs, Abalos declared that the DILG is closely working with the Department of Labor and Employment to provide gainful employment for individuals who have successfully finished their rehabilitation program. “Dapat mawala ang branding na kapag gumamit ka, hindi ka na mapagkakatiwalaan. Ang importante ay kung paano ka tumayo sa pagkakadapa at paano ka tanggapin ng komunidad.” He also shared in his speech the results of the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program’s pilot implementation, wherein law enforcement authorities immerse themselves by living in drug-infested communities to personally identify pressing issues and provide direct assistance to those in need. “We did this in Barangay Putatan in Muntinlupa, and I tell you this, halos nawala ang droga at bumaba ang cases ng 8 focus crimes,” he stated. As for the future of the BIDA Program, Abalos emphasized a crucial component moving forward: “Let us be innovative in this war against drugs. Remember this: it’s not about money or arms. What is important is ugatin natin ito, it’s all about our children. Let’s build their character, and sinong huhulma nito? Tayong lahat, magtutulungan tayo.” ###

MENSAHE KAUGNAY NG PAGGUNITA NG SEMANA SANTA 2024 Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. Kalihim ng DILG Isang mapayapa at makabuluhang paggunita ng Banal na Semana Santa sa Sambayanang Katoliko at sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Sa ating pagninilay-nilay sa sagrado at mahalagang panahon na ito, suriin natin ang ating mga gawa at diwa; timbangin ang ating ambag sa lipunan; at pag-isipan kung paano natin maisasabuhay ang mga aral ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo. Sa gitna ng pagpapakita ng debosyon ng milyon-milyong Pilipino, ang inyo pong DILG at ang Philippine National Police (PNP) ay patuloy na magbabantay upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat mananampalataya ngayong panahon ng Kuwaresma. Kaya naman magpapakalat ng halos 35,000 na pulis ngayon, Marso 24 at sa Marso 28 hanggang Marso 31 sa matataong lugar gaya ng mga simbahan, pilgrim site, pasyalan, paliparan, bus terminal at pier. Magpapakalat rin ng 427 police service dogs sa mga nasabing lugar para tumulong sa pagbabantay at pag-iinspeksyon ng mga bagahe. Magsasagawa rin ang ating kapulisan ng mga checkpoint operation sa istratehikong mga lugar bukod pa sa mga red-teaming operation kasama ang Regional at Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, bilang paghahanda laban sa sakuna. Kalakip po ng ating pagpapakita ng pananampalataya ay ang pag-iingat laban sa mga kriminal na walang pinipiling panahon upang mambiktima. Mahigpit po ang paalala namin sa publiko na mag-ingat at maging listo upang maiwasan ang disgrasya at maging biktima ng krimen. Be vigilant and stay safe this Holy Week! ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday rallied Filipinos to emulate General Emilio Aguinaldo’s resolve in the face of adversities. He made the call during Aguinaldo’s 155th birth anniversary celebration in Kawit, Cavite. “Sana maging leksyon ang buhay ni [Emilio] Aguinaldo na basta ikaw ay naniniwala sa iyong ipinaglalaban at gustong mangyari, huwag kang matakot. Maski anong hamon kakayanin mo ito,” Abalos said in his speech. Joining Abalos were National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Emmanuel Calairo, Cavite Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office Head Elinia Imelda Rozel Sangalang who represented Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla. Also with them were Cavite 1st District Congressman Jolo Revilla, Kawit Mayor Emilio Angelo Aguinaldo, Cavite Board Member Ram Revilla, descendants of Emilio Aguinaldo, local provincial executives, and officials from DILG, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Navy. The DILG Chief said Aguinaldo’s determination to free his countrymen from the oppressors can be replicated in today’s time. He said that the legacy of Aguinaldo is to strive for social justice, equity, and sovereignty. Abalos noted that with unity, nothing is insurmountable. “This serves as a testament to what can be achieved when the nation comes together for a common cause. Importante ang pagkakaisa ng bawat tao.” Abalos said Aguinaldo’s life story, set against the backdrop of the Philippines’ fight for independence, resonates with themes that are incredibly relevant in contemporary society. “Let us remember the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of our heroes including General Emilio Aguinaldo,” he said. He underscored the heroism of General Aguinaldo, an ordinary citizen who became a mayor of Kawit during the Spanish era before fighting against the country’s colonizers. “Anong panlaban ng grupo ni Aguinaldo? Gulok at tapang. And, of course, ang kabayanihan ng bawat miyembro niya.” He emphasized that while times are constantly changing, the challenges are parallel with the predicaments faced by the country’s leaders and citizens today. He also urged Filipinos to stand up for what is right and stay rooted in their principles. “Magbago man ang panahon, hindi magbabago ang puso ng bawat isa. Sa kung ano ang tama, kung ano ang mali. Kung ano ang dapat gawin, ano ang hindi dapat gawin. Kung ano ang dapat ikondena at hindi dapat ikondena,” Abalos stressed. For his part, Remulla, represented by Sangalang, expressed hope that the annual commemoration of Aguinaldo’s birth anniversary would continue to be passed on to the younger generation and impart his significant contributions to the country’s quest for independence. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos is optimistic that they could gather anti-drug advocates and supporters who would join them in an advocacy walk to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the government’s flagship Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program. The activity would be held on March 23 (Saturday) starting at 4 am at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The anniversary celebration will feature the BIDA Walk or the “Lakad Kontra Droga, BIDA Tayong Lahat!” to be joined by representatives from the local government units (LGUs), anti-drug advocacy groups, private and non-government organizations, youth sector, and other allies in the fight against illegal drugs. “I know our kababayans are used to the BIDA Fun Run but in its anniversary, we want to be more inclusive, hence, we opted for the BIDA Walk. Basta gusto mong makisama sa laban ng pamahalaan sa iligal na droga, welcome ka,” Abalos stressed. He explained that the celebration is a fitting commemoration of the BIDA program which is the driving force in the government’s vision for a drug-free Philippines. He pointed out: “We have come a long way since we launched BIDA more than a year ago. Kasama natin ang ating mga kababayan, sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang BIDA anniversary and collectively aspire to further the government’s fight against illegal drugs”. The BIDA Walk will commence from three starting points; one at the CCP Open Grounds, and at Cuneta Astrodome both in Pasay City; and at SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. From the three starting points, the participants then will walk going to SM Mall of Asia Globe Rotunda in Pasay City, where they will all meet together. The walk route will be led by Abalos together with ex-Senator Manny Pacquiao, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Presidents of the National Capital Region. Abalos is calling on the public to join the BIDA Walk as a demonstration of their support to fight the scourge of illegal drugs. He said participants can also expect performances from most sought-after artists from partner entertainment networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN. A chance to win raffle prizes amounting to a total of P100,000 from SM Supermalls also awaits the participants, while Jollibee and private partners will provide food and water. “There’s so much to expect and surprises to anticipate. Samahan nyo po kami sa aming paglakad. Ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang ating pagkakaisa sa paglaban sa iligal na droga,” Abalos said. The DILG Chief also reminded participants to come prepared with proper running shoes and a comfortable white shirt, and they can also bring extra clothing, a tumbler, an umbrella, and a portable/handheld fan. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos is confident that the implementation of the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) program could greatly help in winning the trust and bringing the government closer to the people. Abalos was in Barangay Putatan in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday to check on the progress of the implementation of the RPSB which he described as a good concept as “it humanizes the police”. Introduced in 2011 and expanded in 2019, the RPSB embodies the PNP’s commitment to community-oriented policing as law enforcers tirelessly work to ensure safety and security in barangays where they are assigned. Aside from maintaining law and order, community cops also perform other tasks such as assisting in live birth registrations, and fascilitating free theoretical driving course. They also provide home medical assistance, and conduct lectures in schools about the DILG’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan program and other services. The DILG Chief pointed out that under the RPSB, police personnel are immersed in the community so they will be able to learn firsthand from the residents their primary concerns and help them find solutions to their problems. “Ang pulis ay ibinababa sa barangay para doon mismo tumira, aalamin ang problema at pangangailangan ng mga residente at tutulungan silang lutasin ang mga ito,” he said. This, as the RPSB team members assigned in Brgy. Putatan were warmly welcomed by the residents who showed their appreciation for their services and genuine concern for their welfare. “Dahil sa magandang pagpapatupad ng RPSB dito sa inyong lugar, bumaba ang ktimen, ang droga halos kumalahati,” Abalos noted. The mission of the RPSB team encompasses several key objectives, including sustaining progress achieved by government initiatives delivered to the barangays, preventing any potential resurgence of criminal and terrorist groups, and safeguarding the unaffected neighboring communities. Secretary Abalos was joined by Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon, PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations PMGen. Edgar Alan Okubo, and DILG Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba during the visit. For his part, Mayor Biazon thanked the DILG Secretary for his visit as he urged his constituents to support RPSB which is aligned with the Kapayapaan and Kaayusan components of the 7K agenda of the city government. ###

As the 2023 Peace and Order Council (POC) Performance Audit commences, Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said only high-performing POCs of local government units (LGUs) will be eligible for the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awards. “Peace and order is an integral governance area that needs to be prioritized by our LGUs. This is why LGUs with high-performing POCs are the only ones eligible to bag the much-coveted SGLG,” Abalos underscored. This he stressed as the DILG released the guidelines for the 2023 POC Audit, which aims to assess the performance of the Regional, Provincial, City, and Municipal POCs; identify innovations of POCs; and determine possible interventions and improvement strategies for POCs. The audit will cover a total of 1,733 regional, provincial, city, and municipal POCs. The POC is the government’s platform for stronger collaboration of the local government unit (LGU) with law enforcement agencies and the community to fight criminality, illegal drugs, insurgency, and violent extremism. Under the guidelines, POCs with a performance rating of 85 percent and above shall be considered eligible and qualified for the SGLG Award under the governance area of Safety, Peace and Order. “Ngayong taon, mas mahirap pumasa sa POC performance audit. Kaya dito natin masusukat kung talagang naitataguyod ang kaayusan at kapayapaan sa mga lokalidad, kung talagang nagtatrabaho ang POCs sa ating bansa,” Abalos said. The performance audit process of POCs will be done online through the POC audit system, and shall be guided by two main pillars, namely functionality and development. Functionality indicators include organization; meetings; policies, plans, budget; general supervision; and innovation. This pillar aims to assess POCs based on their capacity to deliver their basic functions and responsibilities as outlined by the Omnibus Guidelines on POCs. On the other hand, development indicators include addressing criminality; ensuring public safety; gender sensitivity; and citizen participation. Abalos said the audit process shall be conducted by the National Audit Committee (NAC) for the regional POCs (RPOCs); Regional Audit Committees (RACs) for the provincial, highly urbanized city/independent component city POCs; and Provincial Audit Committees for component city and municipal POCs. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos along with local government officials on Thursday (March 14) joined some 3,200 runners in the BIDAlagan Advocacy Run held at the Sidlak Global City in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. The advocacy run was held even as the government’s centerpiece anti-drugs Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program nears its first anniversary celebration this coming March 23. In his speech, Abalos revealed that the second phase of the BIDA program is well underway, describing it as an effective tool in fighting the menace of drug addiction, especially at the grassroots, and in rescuing those who fell victim to the vice, particularly young people. He said: “As of December last year, we have already achieved 76%, or 458 drug-cleared barangays. Konti pa, and soon, we will achieve a fully drug-free status in all levels of local government.” Abalos was joined by Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” L. Benitez, DILG Assistant Secretary Elizabeth N. Lopez-De Leon, DILG regional and provincial directors and officials in launching the kick-off event. ### “Today is truly a momentous occasion. This event would not be possible without a progressive and forward-thinking leader in Mayor Javi Benitez. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Victorias City,” he said. Abalos later joined Mayor Benitez and other local officials in the inauguration of the city’s Balay Silangan, a community-based reformation program that propels the rehabilitation and reintegration thrust of the BIDA Program. Capping off his visit, officials of the province of Negros Occidental signed their Pledge of Commitment and Support to DILG programs, thus strengthening the partnership between the LGU and the Department. ###