The City of Mati is hopeful that come early next year, all 26 barangays of the city would be declared drug-free by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as a result of the strong anti-illegal drug campaign of the local government.

In the fourth quarterly joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council at the Executive Conference Room Wednesday, December 11, CADAC Focal person J/Col. Jose Moring said that by early next year the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
will declare as drug free all those barangays who are not yet cleared of drugs.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat welcomed the assessment of Moring as she urged everyone to be very involved in the anti-drug campaign of the city by first and foremost making sure that all members of their family are not into drugs.

Mayor Michelle said that it is her administration’s ardent hope this coming holidays that the City of Mati would finally be rid of illegal drugs.

Mayor Michelle presided the joint meeting as chair of the councils.

Other members present were Hon. Edwin Barrera, Hon. Samuel M. Rodriguez, P/Maj Bembo Aying, Philippine Army representative, City Prosecutor Atty. Oliver N. Saniel, CLGOO DILG Joseph G. Porgatorio, OIC- City Social Welfare Office Mae Belle O. Fontillas, Dr. Ben Hur G. Catbagan, City Planning and Development Office staff, City Information Office, Civil Society Organization representative, City Anti-Drug Abuse Council staff and Secretariat.

During the meeting Mati Police chief P/Maj Bembo Aying also presented their accomplishments to the body. He also presented the issues and concerns of the agency.

Few concerns were raised during the meeting like the need for additional patrol vehicles, additional PNP personnel and SWAT equipment and armament.

Mayor Rabat gave assurance to the PNP that by the end of the year new unit of vehicles will be given to Philippine National Police.

The City Anti-Drug Abuse Council also presented the updates on the drug clearing operation.

Also during the meeting some propose resolution duly seconded and was passed.

The quarterly City Peace and Order and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Joint Meeting for CY 2020 was spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council. (CIO MATI)