LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Among the police stations in Region 1, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) confirms they are the first to be declared with a “sustained drug-free workplace” status in all its municipal and city police stations.

According to INPPO Provincial Director PCol. Julius Suriben, this was made possible through its IMPLAN “Pagwadan”- a program for the creation and sustainability of drug-free workplaces and homes in Ilocos Norte.

In partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), this program was launched in the last quarter of 2022 and in line with the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to further amplify the government’s intensive campaign against illegal drugs.

“The INPPO camp was prioritized so that it could be a model for all police stations and other government agencies throughout the province. It snow balled as LGUs (local government units) up to the barangay level has accepted the challenge,” said INPPO Provincial Director PCol. Julius Suriben.

He said that about 30 percent of the LGUs in Ilocos Norte and 2.30 percent of the 559 barangays are officially declared as drug-free workplaces.

This was achieved through personal engagement and visitation in the cities and municipalities.

Suriben assured the local chief executives that this program will further catapult in its aim to become a drug-free and drug-cleared province.

“I congratulate and thank INPPO through the able leadership of PCol. Suriben for spearheading and sharing this program to us as we endeavor to model a drug-free community,” said Marcos Mayor Antonio Mariano.

Other local chief executives have also expressed their support and commitment to adopt the said program.

Meanwhile, the INPPO chief is grateful to the leaders of the LGUs for the committed support and solidarity, as well as the police chiefs of every locality. He also further challenged police personnel to facilitate the declaration of their homes as drug-free homes.

“This INPPO is beyond grateful of the unity of all concerned agencies as well as personnel and employees who share the same vision,” said Suriben. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)