Getalla: BADACs must be active or officials face disciplinary action

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region VI (PDEA-6) Director Wardley Getalla, over the weekend, declared all Negros Occidental barangays “drug-affected,” based on recent data gathered last month.

He urged local government units to initiate and double clearing efforts.

Getalla explained even if barangays were previously declared drug-free, they are re-evaluated every three months, wherein they could be declared drug-affected again if there is at least one user or dealer present in the neighborhood.

The PDEA official noted local barangays are also required to activate their Barangay Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC), which must also hold meetings once a month, as well as conduct lectures, symposiums in their community, and active participation in drug rehabilitation.

Getalla also warned barangay officials the Department of the Interior and Local Government released a memo indicating any barangay official that does not activate their respective BADAC will be subject to disciplinary action./DGB, WDJ