PDEA explains delays ‘Drug-Free’ certification
STRICT COMPLIANCE REQUIRED
IF the validation of declarations of towns as drug-free by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is slow, it is because local governments fail to either submit documentary requirements or resolve pending issues.
This was pointed out by PDEA Provincial Officer Dexter Asayco in an exclusive interview by The PUNCH amid observations that it is the inability of PDEA to act promptly owing to its lack of personnel.
A number of towns have already reportedly been declared drug-free by their respective local officials and Municipal Anti-Drug Advisory Councils, however, these cannot be confirmed unless the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) validates it.
The endorsement of PDEA to the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) is only obtained after the established validation process of declaration of towns and cities as drug-free is completed.
Among the usual cause of delays are the absence of community-based rehabilitation programs and local ordinance creating it.
Asayco said these may be considered minor administrative issues but required nonetheless.
He cited the towns that have been declared drug-free by their governments but cannot be validated, among them: Basista (Issue: Absence of updated special reports); Tayug (Issue: No municipal ordinance and certification from academe, religious and NGO’s); Sual (Issue: No municipal ordinance); Aguilar (Issue: No special report, municipal ordinance and certificate from NGOs); Urbiztondo (Issue: No municipal ordinance and special report); Bugallon ang Umingan (Issue: No municipal ordinance).
Asayco said unless these requirements are complied with and submitted, PDEA cannot recommend confirmation by the ROC.
The ROC is headed by PDEA as chairman, DILG as vice chairman, and members are Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of the Police Regional Office 1 and LGU Representative by Gov, Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III.
Asayco asserted that PDEA’s lack of manpower can never be the hindrance or never a reason for the slow process. (Nora Dominguez)
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