Briones resigns as guv's drug czar

By Florence F. Hibionada

A top Capitol official aligned with Governor Niel Tupas tendered his resignation as chief of the Information and Education Operating Unit of the Provincial Task Force against Dangerous Drugs and Other Vices.

Apparently disgruntled over unresolved and undelivered requests relative to the task force's functions, Board Member Angelo Briones made official his intent in a resignation letter submitted to the Governor's office Wednesday morning.

In an interview, Briones explained to The News Today (TNT) he has since worked overtime to push for the realization and full implementation of the Capitol's anti-illegal drug campaign.

As such, he personally sought the purchase of equipment needed for said advocacy and the creation of yet another special operating unit to make the corresponding arrests on violators. Unfortunately, both Briones' initiatives fell on deaf ears and remain unacted.

"Mag-amo sina, ano pa pulos sang pagtinir ko dira ? (If such is the case, why else should I stay?), " he quipped. " Dugay na ina nga follow-up akon kag na submit naman ang budget nga kinahanglanon pero asta subong wala man gihapon aksyon (I have long followed it up and the budget has since been submitted. However until now there is still no action)."

Yet he may still actually reconsider, Board Member Briones added, on the sole condition that his 'demands' be met.

"I have sent a clear message in my resignation letter regarding the need for the audio-visual equipment that are essential in my function. See, in the past, I made use of my personal laptop computer or would borrow from the Office of the Vice Governor. I would also want the Governor to heed my advice that the special unit be created so provisions on RA 9165 will be imposed. It is clear, our task force if compared to other task forces of the Provincial Government is missing a lot of support," he continued.

In pressing for the purchase of equipment, Briones, president of the provincial federation of the Liga ng mga Barangay pointed out how the needs of the stakeholders have adapted to changes. For them to be more receptive, said board member insists that he is best effective when fully equipped so as not to make their efforts an exercise in futility.

Briones' stint in the provincial Liga has since been marked by his all-out war against illegal drugs with focus made on barangay folks' involvement in the battle against illegal drug proliferation. To note, drug informants and tipsters find solace and rewards such as the practice in the towns of Dumangas and Oton. The Capitol's task force, lamented Briones, could only boast thus far of "fun-runs" and basic information dissemination in its one year of existence.