War on drugs fought at grassroots— Abalos

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday described the anti-drug abuse councils 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.

"This war will always be fought at the grassroots. The fight is local and the first one to fight will be the ADACs," he said.

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.

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.   

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.