Quezon province to strengthens its anti-drug effort

By Nimfa Estrellado Vice Governor Third Alcala during the conference for the launching of Quezon province's anti-drug campaign. (Photo ...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Vice Governor Third Alcala during the conference for the launching of Quezon province's anti-drug campaign. (Photo from Provincial Government of Quezon/FACEBOOK)

LUCENA CITY - Quezon province intends to strengthen its collaboration with law enforcement agencies and implement stricter measures to combat the drug trade, as well as investigate community-based programs, rehabilitation initiatives and provide assistance to affected individuals.

In a recent conference, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Chairman announced that Quezon province will launch a comprehensive information campaign on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal drugs and encourage residents to report any suspicious activities.



Vice Governor Third Alcala stressed the importance of community involvement in combating the drug problem and the need for a united front against illegal drugs during the conference, which was attended by mayors, captains of drug-free barangays, and officials of local government anti-drug councils.

He also mentioned that the information campaign will include various activities such as seminars, workshops, and the distribution of informational materials to ensure maximum reach and impact.



Also present were personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Quezon Provincial Police Office.

They also talked about courses of action in relation to paving the way for the drug-cleared status of barangays and discussed strategies to sustain the drug-free status of these barangays.

The conference aimed to strengthen collaboration among different agencies and local government units to ensure the effective implementation of anti-drug initiatives and maintain a drug-free community.

It also intends to address any challenges and obstacles that may arise in the process of achieving drug-free status for barangays.

The conference served as a platform for sharing best practices and exchanging ideas on how to improve coordination and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders involved in the fight against illegal drugs.

They also laid down steps to keep jeep barangays free of illegal drugs to ensure the progress of the local governments and to keep the people safe from harm.

The Police Provincial Office in Quezon, on the other hand, has pledged to assist the provincial government in addressing anti-drug campaigns and ensuring the safety and well-being of its constituents.

They have implemented various initiatives, such as community outreach programs, rehabilitation centers, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to combat the drug problem effectively.

In addition, to promote a drug-free environment, they are actively engaging the community through education and awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Labratory Division, through the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Seaport Interdiction Quezon, is conducting rigorous  drug testing and investigation to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through seaports in Quezon.

The collaboration between these two authorities aims to boost anti-drug enforcement in seaports, particularly in Quezon Province. This collaborative effort ensures a more thorough and effective approach to detecting and blocking drug trafficking through the city's harbor.

Under the direction of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., the DILG has ordered law enforcement organizations to strengthen their operations and intelligence gathering in seaports.

This includes increasing the presence of personnel and implementing stricter security measures to prevent the entry of illegal drugs.

The DILG has also called for closer coordination with other agencies, such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs, to enhance information sharing and streamline efforts in combating drug trafficking through seaports.