Davao region police officers recently spearheaded a peaceful initiative called “Baktas sa Kausaban” at Rizal Park, Davao City to help bolster President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against the use and sale of illegal drugs.
The “unity walk for change” led by regional director Supt. Manuel R. Gaerlan was a simultaneous multi-city activity with 13,411 participants from Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.
Gaerlan, in a letter, extended his deepest gratitude to Wong Chu King Foundation for being a partner in the PNP’s project entitled “Double Barrel” which aims to completely eradicate the use and sale of illegal drugs.
“Your presence and contribution to the event signifies your sincere desire to be part of Pres. Duterte’s advocacy,” he said.
The initiative is a byproduct of the Philippine National Police’s ongoing community relations program as it mainly aims to generate awareness and gather support of all stakeholders; to kick-off regular physical activities of the ‘surrenderers’; and create willing sponsors to fund the drug victims’ rehabilitation and social reintegration process.
One of the country’s most active non-profit organizations, the Wong Chu King Foundation provided a full sponsorship while its representatives also joined in the refreshing initiative.
Aside from the ‘surrenderers’, representatives from various government agencies, non-government agencies, private sectors, faith groups, local executives, barangay officials and PNP personnel graced the event.
WCKF external affairs director and retired general Melito Mabilin said the foundation believed in taking small but necessary steps to help the needy and provide opportunities to the deserving but less fortunate individuals, thereby changing the ‘world’ and doing the impossible one step at a time.
“The small steps we made this morning in this noble undertaking lead to bigger steps towards the change we are all dreaming to achieve – a peaceful, drug-free country,” he said.
WCKF head volunteer, retired general Edilberto Adan called for a never-ending effort to change and pursue a better life away from drugs as these vices only permit a temporary escape yet create a permanent damage among its users’ lives.
“Drugs destroy the moral fiber of our society and causes problems in its most basic unit – the family. But through the values of compassion and malasakit, it’s never too late,” the former army chief said.