By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent declaration by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region VI Director Wardley Getalla designating all Negros Occidental barangays as “drug-affected,” Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran believes uncooperative barangay officials have contributed to the situation.

The vice mayor said he wants all Barangay Anti-drug Abuse Council (BADAC) in the city activated in order to combat illegal drugs in the city.

He pointed out, the City Anti-drug Abuse Council (CADAC) is active, but the problem of illegal drugs persists because some barangay officials are afraid they will be targeted by drug personalities.

Earlier, Getalla urged local government units to initiate and double clearing efforts; adding, all barangays are required to activated their BADAC in compliance with a recent memorandum released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña, meanwhile, criticized the Bacolod City government for failing to address the problem of illegal drugs, claiming the local government is not doing enough./DGB, WDJ