ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN. Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez leads the grand launching of the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan or BIDA Program in Victorias City, Negros Occidental in November 2022. On Thursday night (Jan. 5, 2023), Benitez expressed support to the call of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for the courtesy resignation of colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police to cleanse its ranks. (Photo courtesy of Victorias City Information Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental has supported the call of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for the courtesy resignation of colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cleanse its ranks of illegal drug trade links.
"I acknowledge the boldness of the DILG Secretary amid the frustrations and disappointment on the illegal drug campaign of the country. I trust him, I trust his team, and I trust the process he is courageously calling for," said Benitez, an ambassador of the DILG's drug demand reduction campaign "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" or BIDA Program, on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old neophyte mayor, who is the president of Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental, pointed out in a statement that it has been his "clear stance" that his administration "abhors all illegal drug activities in Victorias City".
"I spearheaded localized programs against any form of drug abuse. Also as an ambassador of the BIDA Program, it is my commitment to stand against the damaging impact of illegal drugs," he added.
Benitez said there is a need to cleanse the ranks of the nation's law enforcement unit, noting that it is "an urgent call for the sake of all honest members of the institution and the general public."
"It must be an impartial, fair, uncompromising and with due diligence process to bring back the trust and confidence along with the honor the members of the PNP deserve," he said.
As Abalos had emphasized that those who are not involved need not be afraid, Benitez said he believes that all clean and honest law enforcement officials should be one with the government's call and rally behind the enforcement of the anti-drug campaign.
Located in northern Negros, Victorias City had been in the news last year for two major police operations that led to the recovery of a total of PHP4.76 million in shabu. (PNA)
