DILG to scrap ‘drop box’ system for drug reporting

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has agreed to scrap the controversial drop box system that allowed residents to anonymously tip off authorities about alleged drug users in their neighborhoods.

The decision was made after Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday questioned a DILG memorandum circular that set up the guidelines for its community-based program called Masa Masid.

The program, which has a P500-million budget, established “modes of reporting” to encourage the community to report criminality and those using illegal drugs, among others. It allowed residents to submit names of suspected drug users in drop boxes.

“I strongly suggest to the DILG to eliminate drop boxes from its anti-drug campaign. It will only be prone to malice and abuse,” Hontiveros said during the Senate interpellations on the DILG’s budget for 2018.

“Sabi nga ng iba, the more entries you send, the more chances of killing. So I strongly suggest, sa halip na out-of-the-box drop boxes, I strongly suggest to the DILG to drop the box,” she said.

Senator JV Ejercito, sponsor of the DILG’s budget for 2018, said the DILG and PNP “are willing to drop the box.”

“Your honor, we are listening. The DILG, PNP officials are here and they understand your point, the points you have raised. They are willing to drop the box,” Ejercito said.

Hontiveros then replied: “That’s thinking out of the box…Let it be put on record that they agreed to eliminate the drop boxes.”

Ejercito said the amount of P500 million can be realigned to other local and regional development councils, and anti-drug abuse council, among others. — BM, GMA News