PNP eyes stronger ties between public, drug-free communities

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) it wants the public to forge a strengthened partnership with drug-free communities and police in yet another bid to end the country’s drug problem.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac yesterday said anti-drug partnerships and stakeholders will promote evidence-based approaches to reducing drug demand by improving prevention and wellness programs.

“The  PNP is always ready to reach out to the Filipino people and to show them a role model in communities to whom the public may entrust their lives and who will guard their rights and ensure safety to live and do business,” Banac said in a statement.

Banac attended training at the Mid-Year Training Institute on July 14 to 18 in Dallas, Texas together with Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pedregosa of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

The training, wih the theme “Transforming Communities, the Power of Prevention,” was organized by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America through the efforts of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of the US embassy in Manila.

“The training is timely and applicable as it gives importance to initiatives in forming broad anti-drug coalitions to sustain the gains we have achieved in our campaign to reduce drug demand and abuse,” Banac said.