Manila Philippines, the DILG has created an inter-agency task force called D-I-G-O-N-G (DILG Inter-Government Operations Network Group) as taken from the President’s nick name Digong.
DILG Secretary and NAPOLCOM chairman Ismael Sueno said he would spearhead the newly created Task force with DILG Undersecretary for Operations John Castriciones as Deputy Chair.
Task Force DIGONG main thrust is to conduct a thorough investigation on public officials being linked to illegal drugs and other crimes and corruption, and those who are guilty will face the full force of the law and the innocent ones will be cleared, Sueno said.
Task force DIGONG is composed of the following agency, the PNP (Philippine National Police), BFP (Bureau of Fire), BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), PPSC (Philippine Public Safety College), LGA (Local Government Academy) and LGO (Local Government Officials).
These agencies will be assisted by the Task Force DIGONG in the investigation of Government Officials allegedly involved in illegal activities. It will conduct case build –up, gathering of evidence, conduct preliminary investigation and prepare recommendation as per result of its findings then the recommendation shall then be referred to NAPOLCOM and other appropriate agencies for the filing of the appropriate charges.
USec. John Castriones also said that Task Force DIGONG will regularly coordinate with other relevant Government agencies such as the Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs and Anti Money Laundering Council in the performance of its function.
Also the Task Force will compliment the PNP’s Oplan Tok-hang (Knock and plead), the Anti-Drug campaign wherein Police Officers knocks at the house of the suspected drug personalities then ask them to quit drug use or else they will be subjected for imprisonment.
OPLAN RODY is another Task Force created specifically for disallowing the drinking of liquor in public places, streets and curfew for unescorted minors from 10p.m. to 4a.m.
PNP Community Relations Officer Chief Supt. Ericson Velasquez said the PNP is training officers to be effective public speakers to support the drive against illegal drugs.
Illegal Drugs is a multi-million peso industry operating with so much less resistance, very limited complaints about the drug dealers. This makes illegal drugs deals and consumption a victimless crime. Velasquez said. He hopes that the community and the public will support this campaign to ensure the success of fighting against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.