Confiscated shabu (File photo)
MANILA – Governor Dax Cua of Quirino province is fully supporting the efforts of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos in identifying the police officers involved in the drug raid that led to the confiscation of 990 kilos of shabu worth PHP6.7 billion in Manila last year.
Cua, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and chairperson of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), commended Abalos for his commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served.
“The Secretary’s statement highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations. It is crucial that those who are responsible for upholding the law are held accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to cases involving illegal drugs,” Cua said in a news release on Monday.
He also urged the concerned officers shown in the video to take their voluntary leave of absence pending the result of the investigation to maintain the integrity of the investigation and the evidence.
"Ngayon, sa mga opisyal na sangkot, sana ay boluntaryo na kayong mag-leave upang umusad agad ang imbestigasyon at masigurong maayos itong maisasagawa (Now, to the involved officials, I hope you’ll take voluntary leave of absence to make sure investigation will push through and will be done properly),” he said.
Cua said Abalos’ efforts are testament to his commitment to promoting good governance and upholding the rule of law.
Earlier this year, ULAP expressed its full support for the campaign against illegal drugs of the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
It also vowed to continue working with the DILG and the PNP, particularly in its Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA program.
The program aims implement and promote holistic, balanced, health-and rights-based approaches to drug challenges, all within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights and complemented by rehabilitation and socioeconomic development.
On Sunday, Abalos said they will be utilizing the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs under BIDA program
“The partnership of DILG and PBA will not only strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs, but will also send out a message to the PBA teams, players and fans, that the league is against and will not tolerate the adverse effects of illegal drugs,” Abalos said in a press conference during Game 4 of the Ginebra San Miguel-TNT Tropang Giga Governors' Cup championship at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“We are aware that this is the first time, since its inception, that the PBA joined hands with the government in the fight against illegal drugs kaya una na po ang aming pasasalamat (that is what we are thankful for),” he added.
Abalos said the government banks on the “massive influence of basketball to Filipinos, especially the youth, in communicating BIDA’s objective.’’ (PNA)
