Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has extolled the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for their relentless efforts in the peaceful pursuit of combating illegal drugs.

“In moments like this that we are all together, we have to celebrate, and we have to recognize, and we have to say thank you,” Remulla said during the 2025 PDEA Annual Awards, held at Camp Bagong Diwa earlier today.

The DILG Chief emphasized that both the PNP and PDEA deserve acknowledgment, especially in light of the inherent risks they face. “Who does the most work in government? Who sacrifices their lives every day to fulfill their duties? Hindi ba ang pulis, ang PDEA, ang local government? You do the hard work, you do the heavy lifting,” he remarked.

During the event, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora received the Balangay Seal of Excellence on behalf of the local government unit for being the first city in Metro Manila to be declared Drug Cleared by the Barangay Drug Clearing Program Regional Oversight Committee. Remulla praised San Juan City for achieving this milestone without resorting to violence, stating that “Violence as a means of conflict resolution is no longer necessary to resolve a problem. It takes work. It takes patience. It takes commitment. It takes everyday heroes like you to dedicate themselves and to commit themselves to making the streets safe.”

Aligning with President Marcos’s agenda of promoting peace, order, and sustainable development, Remulla urged law enforcement officials and local government units (LGUs) to stay true to their commitment to public service, which is fundamental to creating a better nation.

“Keep up the good work. Never forget that at the end of the day, you took an oath to serve this country and to do your best. Keep true to that oath, and one day our country will be united,” he said, reinforcing the importance of their roles in fostering a safer Philippines.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-Commends-PNP-PDEA-on-Exemplary-Service-Cites-San-Juan-City-for-its-Drug-Cleared-Status/NC-2025-1168