War on drugs will always be fought at the grassroots — Abalos

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday described the anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs) at the provincial, city, and municipal levels as "heroes" of the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Abalos underscored that the war against illegal drugs is at the local government level, and the ADACs are at the forefront of this war.

"Ang giyerang ito will always be fought at the grassroots, ang laban ay sa lokal. At sino ang unang lalaban dito, kayo po yun — ang ADACs," he said.

"Kayo ang bayani ng ating bansa pagdating sa laban sa droga," he added during the 2023 ADAC Performance Awards held at the Crowne Plaza in Quezon City.

Abalos explained that ADACs play a key role in the whole-of-nation and holistic approach against illegal drugs under the Department's "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" or BIDA program, which is now in its first year.

"This is a war we are fighting for our children, our future and our country. Tuloy-tuloy lang tayo, marami tayong gagawin. Mabuhay ang mga champions ng ADAC!," he said.

ADAC is a multi-sectoral council responsible for the formulation of plans and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects, and activities in a particular locality.

During the same event, Abalos told reporters that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is now in the process of selecting the best possible replacement for Philippine National Police chief, General Benjamin Acorda Jr., who is set to retire next week.

"Halos lahat naman magagaling, but of course, prerogative ito lahat ng ating Pangulo. But in terms of character na hinahanap, the number 1 standard should be output and performance."

"Ibig sabihin, bumababa ang criminality, tumataas ang huli sa droga – yun ang hinahanap ng tao, at yun ang kailangan natin. Talagang performer on the ground," he stressed.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who was also a special guest speaker, said that they are now in the process of making amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the passage of the ADAC Bill, which will formally institutionalize the local drug abuse councils.