By John Peps Dales
MSU-Marawi Intern
A BARANGAY chairman in Maguindanao is facing charges after refusing to cooperate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) drug-clearing program.
During the 2nd quarter joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) in Cotabato City on June 27, PDEA Agent Asnawi Adil Salik mentioned that all barangays in the province of Maguindanao must coordinate with the agency in carrying out the barangay drug clearing program which the barangay captain refused to participate in.
He added that the Barangay Anti-Drug Council (Badac) must always have an active status for each barangay. Measure like this, Salik affirmed, ensures the success of anti-drug campaign programs of the national government.
Salik said that out of 37, eight barangays have already been declared drug-cleared in Cotabato City.
Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao spearheaded the said meeting.
Together with other local agencies, Matabalao addressed issues concerning threats to peace and security, gambling operations, drug reformation programs, and road-clearing activities.
Despite resistance from many barangay captains against his rule as mayor due to politics, he assured his constituents of his service to continuously fight crimes in order to maintain a safe environment for the Cotabateños.
“It will be my first year as City Mayor on June 30. Marami na tayong nagawa at marami pa tayong magagawa kung ang bawat barangay lalo na ang mga kapitan ay makikipagtulungan sa local na pamahalaan upang siguraduhing ang ating programa at serbisyo ay tunay na para sa lahat,” said Matabalao.
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