THE administration of Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian and the local police have come together once again this time with a “more aggressive, less bloody” approach in carrying out the ‘Valenzuelano Ayaw sa Droga’ Reloaded in time with the preparation for the relaunch of “Oplan Double Barrel, Reloaded” of the Philippine National Police.
According to Mayor Rex Gatchalian, some 90 local policemen with 30 guest officers from its neighboring cities and the Northern Police District underwent a drug police operation training at the City External Services Office recently.
The training, conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, highlighted the Basic Operations and Investigation on Drugs Basic Intelligence Gathering and they’re also briefed about R.A. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Rules of Evidence.
In August 2016, the local government and the city police launched VAD as a counterpart to the PNP’s Oplan Double Barrel.
In conjunction with the local government’s own Valenzuela City Cares Plus or simply VC Cares Plus, it’s able to send 141 drug dependents for rehabilitation in Central Luzon Rehabilitation Center in Magalang, Pampanga. 1,669 are undergoing community rehabilitation through a community wellness program in every barangay.
The resumption of the nationwide anti-drug campaign prompted the Valenzuela PNP to intensify the VAD Reloaded starting with the basic training of the local police force, the mayor says.
Next in line target of the program is the clearing of 33 barangays in the city. VCPS will soon launch Tokhang-On Wheels, a one-stop shop that will be set up in covered courts of every barangay, he says.
The clearing team composed of the PNP, barangay officials and Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Council and City Social Welfare Development personnel will make rounds in the barangays to convince drug pushers and users to voluntarily submit themselves for renewal.
The mayor has vowed that his administration is committed to continuously provide the local police with the necessary equipment and logistics to enhance its capabilities in maintaining order all over the city, among others.
He mentioned the increased allowance for the 756-strong local policemen this year and the city’s acquisition of police drug dogs, firearms and 60 brand new vehicles equipped with global positioning system and dash camera inside and outside for the improved operation and mobility.
In return, the ever-supportive Gatchalian has challenged the local police to officially declare 75% of the villages as drug-free barangays by the end of the Holy Week this April.
He emphasized that no policemen should be involved in illegal gambling, drugs and other related activities that will endanger the lives of the constituents.
“We have provided what has been committed to you, and in return, we ask you to do your jobs well and keep your morals high,” the mayor dares. GOOD RIDDANCE/ARLIE CALALO
