Random drug tests to be conducted in DILG, attached agencies - Abalos

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 2) — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has ordered the conduct of surprise random drug testing in his department and its attached agencies.

"We're going to implement this dahil napaka-importante nito [because this is really important]," Abalos said Friday.

"For the longest time ang [the] focus ng ating [of our] drug campaign ay [is] supply reduction. So through the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan) program, we will now address the demand side of the problem," he added.

The initiative, according to Abalos, will show that the government is a "role model" in its campaign against illegal drugs.

The BIDA program was officially launched in November last year. It aims to zero in on drug-related issues at the grassroots level.

READ: Marcos administration launches new anti-drug campaign, vows new focus

"Through our BIDA program, we are not just promoting a healthy lifestyle...but we are raising awareness and encouragement for people to do away from illegal drugs and avoid its harsh effects," Abalos said.