The local government of Valenzuela and the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) join together in a “more aggressive, less bloody” approach in implementing the Valenzuelano Ayaw sa Droga (VAD) Reloaded, in preparation for the re-launch of “Oplan Double Barrel, Reloaded” of the Philippine National Police.

     90 local policemen with 30 guest officers from neighboring cities of the Northern Police District (NPD) underwent a drug police operation training at the City External Services Office on March 9. The training, inplemented by the personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), highlighted the Basic Operations and Investigation on Drugs Basic Intelligence Gathering. The policemen were also briefed about the RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Rule of Evidence.

     In August 2016, the local government and the VCPS launched VAD as a counterpart to the Oplan Double Barrel. In conjunction of Valenzuela City’s own Valenzuela City Cares Plus or simply VC Cares Plus, the city was able to send 141 drug dependents for rehabilitation in Central Luzon Rehabilitation Center in Magalang, Pampanga. 1,669 are undergoing community rehabilitation through a community wellness program in every barangay. The resumption of the nationwide anti-drug campaign prompted the Valenzuela PNP to intensify the VAD Reloaded starting with the basic training of the local police force. Next in line target of the program is the clearing of 33 barangays in the city. VCPS will soon launch Tokhang-On Wheels, a one-stop shop that will be set-up in covered courts of every barangay. The clearing team composed of the PNP, Barangay official, VADAC official and a CSWD personnel will make rounds in every barangay to convince suspected drug pushers and users to voluntarily submit themselves for renewal.

Committed LGU

     Speaking before the local policemen on March 10, Mayor REX Gatchalian announced his plans of continuing the provision of necessary equipment to the Valenzuela City Police Station for an enhanced capacity building for the local police force. He mentioned the increased allowance for the 756-strong local policemen this year and the city’s acquisition of police drug dogs, firearms and 60 brand new vehicles equipped with GPS system and dash camera inside and outside for the improved operation and mobility.

     During the dialogue, Mayor REX also vowed to improve the police community precincts and their visibility in barangays Paso de Blas and Malinta, especially in depressed areas of Pinalagad, Hustisya and Dulong Tangke where crimes are mostly concentrated. He challenged the local police to officially declare 75% of the barangays as drug-free barangay by the end of the Holy Week this April. He emphasized that no policemen should be involved in illegal gambling, drugs and other related activities that will endanger the lives of the constituents. “We have provided what has been committed to you, and in return, we ask you to do your jobs well and keep your morals high”, he reiterated during the general assembly at the Social Hall on March 10.