Police officers in the Davao region recently spearheaded a peaceful initiative dubbed “Baktas sa Kausaban” at Rizal Park, Davao City, to help bolster President Duterte’s campaign against the use and sale of illegal drugs.
The “unity walk for change” led by PRO-11 Regional Director PC 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.
The initiative is a by-product of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) ongoing community relations program to generate awareness and gather support of all stakeholders; to kick off regular physical activities for drug suspects who surrendered; and generate willing sponsors to fund their rehabilitation and social reintegration process.
The assembly began at daybreak. The participants completed the walk by 7:40 a.m.
The Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF), one of the country’s most active nonprofit organizations, provided a full sponsorship while its representatives also joined in the initiative.
Aside from those who ‘surrendered,’ representatives from various government agencies, nongovernment organizations, the private sector, faith groups, local executives, barangay officials and PNP personnel graced the event.
WCKF external affairs director retired general Melito Mabilin said the foundation believes 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 addressed.
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 cause problems in its most basic unit—the family. But through the values of compassion and malasakit, it’s never too late,” Adan added.