CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – The double barrel approach implemented by the Bataan PNP towards a drug-free Bataan has been yielding positive results that the province is now the first drug-free province in the country, as per PDEA report.
Under the double barrel approach, there are two major components: first is to identify and apprehend the high value targets, such as the big time drug pushers and coddlers and second, is the operation Tokhang which is focused on identifying the drug personalities in the barangays and persuade them to surrender and undergo rehabilitation.
Despite achieving a drug free status, the authorities still face a dilemma; that is how to sustain this zero drug affectation status of the province; hence the formation of the Barangay Sumbong Bilis Monitoring Team (SBMT).
Under this scheme, members of the SBMT who are residents of the barangay will be the ones to monitor the activities in their respective barangays; such as how fast barangay officials act on reports/complaints regarding drug personalities and other concerns.
This morning, members of the SBMT from the 29 barangays of this City, together with their respective barangay officials, took their oath in the presence of Bataan PNP Provincial Director Atty. Benjamin Silo Jr., Balanga City PSupt. Joel Tampis, and City Councilor Karl Paguio, representing Mayor Francis Garcia at the Brgy. Dona Francisca covered court.
In his short but comprehensive and encouraging message, PD Silo emphasized the importance of reformation/rehabilitation under the double barrel approach for this is the key for a former drug personality’s reintegration to the mainstream society and once again become a responsible, productive and participative member of the barangay.
