Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos joined last Wednesday, December 7, anchor Deo Macalma in their new show that aims to walk the public through the works, projects, and programs under the department.
During the first episode of DILG sa DZRH Breaktime, Abalos discussed and explained more about the works of DILG and the departments under its wings.
Under the local government, the DILG is made up of three bureaus, namely: the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), and the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO).
Meanwhile, for the interior, Abalos said it is divided into two: peace and order which the Philippine National Police (PNP) leads, and public safety which is composed of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Among the recent projects of the DILG was the ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ or BIDA Program — an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs under the Marcos administration.
The project is headed by the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigations (NB)I & other agencies of government.
In an interview with PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., he said the program, which was launched in October this year, is looking to reduce the drug demand in the communities in the country.
"Ito po ay nasasalamin po ang intensity ng ating laban sa droga sa ngayon. It’s more on the awareness program ng ating mga kababayan... ano nga ba iyong mga masasamang epekto ng paggamit ng mga ilegal na droga sa mga kabataan, sa iba-ibang sektor, whether it is private or public," Azurin said in the interview.
[This program mirrors the intensity of our fight against illegal drugs. It's more of an awareness program for our fellow Filipinos, to let them know what are the bad effects of using illegal drugs for the youth and other sectors as well, whether it is private or public.]
Just recently, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) together with PDEA seized around 1 kilo of shabu during a buy-bust operation in the Southern portion.
Azurin also mentioned that from July 1 until December 6, the PNP together with other agencies has conducted at least 21,000 anti-drug operations, nabbed over 36,00 individuals involved in the drug trade, and seized about P10 billion worth of illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, as Christmas and New Year's Eve approach, the PNP also heightened the deployment of its officers in order to ensure a safer celebration this year.
Azurin said at least 85% of police officers have been deployed on some of the busy streets, malls, and convergence areas in the country. He noted that the police presence will be much more visible this year.
Speaking of the holiday season, the DILG also sees the possibility of fire incidents, according to Abalos.
In the said program, Macalma and Abalos also interviewed BFP Chief Director Louie Puracan, who gave the public advice on how to stay away from fire incidents this coming Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Puracan urged the public to only purchase certified and quality Christmas lights as this is one of the common causes of fire in some homes.
On December 26 last year, a man died while two others were injured when two fires broke out in Mandaluyong and Quezon City. The fire also displaced 225 families or 900 individuals, who spent Christmas Eve in an evacuation center.
Likewise, the Fire Protection Chief reminded the public to turn off and unplug all electric materials if they will not be at home for the holiday season.
He also asked the public to avoid plugging-in multiple products in one wall socket as an "octopus connection" causes fire when the total current that passes through the wires exceeds the indicated rating. This can cause heat inside the wiring and ultimately cause a fire.
If possible, Puracan advises the public to buy fire extinguishers in case of emergency.
Watch DILG sa DZRH Breaktime every Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at DZRH News Facebook and YouTube.
