MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Government agencies in Bukidnon are pushing for a unified strategy to address delays in the prosecution of drug cases, using the BIDAyalogo as a platform to strengthen coordination and streamline legal processes.
The forum, held on May 14 in Malaybalay City, was organized under the ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ (BIDA) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
It focused on improving case handling, from evidence gathering to prosecution and rehabilitation, by aligning the efforts of law enforcement, judicial, and health agencies.
Participants included the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, Regional Trial Court, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Scene of the Crime Operatives, Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, and the Department of Health’s Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.
They discussed current gaps in coordination and proposed a set of measures to address delays in legal proceedings. These included the creation of a centralized database for drug-related cases, regular coordination meetings, and joint training activities to improve evidence handling and documentation.
DILG Provincial Director Rhona P. Abadilla said stronger coordination is needed to move efforts forward.
“We hope that the BIDAyalogo anti-drug campaign will be successfully implemented through the collaboration of various agencies, ensuring a united and effective approach to combating drug abuse,” she said.
Forum participants raised issues such as limited personnel for community monitoring, inconsistent information flow between agencies, and logistical constraints in coordinating rehabilitation services. To address these, the group proposed the formation of an inter-agency task force that would synchronize operations and improve the use of available resources.
Police Major Richlie D. Murallon of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office noted that the drug problem contributes to various crimes and requires a comprehensive approach.
“The drug problem is worsening significantly, leading to more cases of rape, killings, theft, and other crimes. A unified and strategic approach can help curb the root causes of these crimes and lead to safer communities,” Murallon said.
He emphasized the need to link enforcement with community-based education, barangay drug-clearing efforts, and access to rehabilitation to prevent repeat offenses.
Murallon also identified Cagayan de Oro City and Wao, Lanao del Sur, as the primary entry points for illegal drugs into Bukidnon. He said that supply lines to the north and south of the province need to be monitored and disrupted through coordinated action.
PDEA Provincial Officer Laila A. Abad reiterated the agency’s operational focus on barangays and identified hotspots.
“Our program targets the root sources of illegal drug supply in Bukidnon. We conduct regular operations alongside local officials and barangay leaders to dismantle drug networks and secure communities. Immediate action is crucial to prevent the situation from worsening,” she said.
Abadilla emphasized that the BIDAyalogo continues to serve as a platform for agencies to align their actions and address long-standing challenges. “The BIDAyalogo is a vital move toward a sustained effort in the anti-illegal drugs campaign in Bukidnon,” she added. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
