Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has declared a war versus illegal drugs in the city after learning that more people are engaging in illegal drug activities.

“I hereby declare a campaign that this city is at war against drugs. Buot pasabot ana, pasensyahay ta,” Duterte said during the turnover of command of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Colonel Alberto Lupaz was replaced by Colonel Richard Bad-ang as the new DCPO director.

Duterte’s top directive for the new DCPO leadership is to cleanse all barangays of the illegal drug menace.

The city’s local chief executive also asked barangay captains to coordinate with authorities in carrying out the mandate.

For his part, Bad-ang said the partnership of DCPO and other law enforcement agencies and private organizations will also be intensified during his term to ensure public safety and security.

Bad-ang was a former member of the DCPO from 2009 to 2015 before he became the chief of the DCPO’s Intelligence Office, company commander of the Davao City Mobile Group, and head of the Police Community Relations.

“My priority programs in order to sustain the gains and advantagaes of my predecessor in the fight against crmininality, terrorism and illegal drugs will focus on personal moral and welfW are optimal utilization of assets prreventive and aggressive law enforcement and community engagement,” Bad-ang said.