KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has issued executive order No. 498 establishing a National Working Group on the Fight Against Illegal Drugs, launching a coordinated national response for 2026, declared the Year to “Just Say No” to Illegal Drugs.
The order identifies illegal drugs as a serious and growing threat to public health, safety and families and calls for a strategy that goes beyond arrests and enforcement to include prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration.
The working group will serve as the national coordinating body, bringing together representatives from the executive branch, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, state governments and traditional leadership.
The minister of justice will chair the group, with members including the ministers of health and human services and education, legislative representatives from the Senate and House of Delegates, the Governors Association, the Organization of State Speakers, Mechesil Belau, Rubekul Belau, the first lady and the president’s chief of staff. The president may appoint additional members as needed.
The Ministry of Justice will provide administrative and logistical support. The group is required to meet at least monthly throughout 2026 and will operate by consensus. The order remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, unless extended.
Its responsibilities include coordinating national and community anti-drug initiatives, reviewing best practices from other jurisdictions, seeking technical and financial assistance from regional and international partners, and developing policy recommendations for the executive branch and the national legislature.
At the state level, the Airai State Legislature formally endorsed the national effort. On Feb. 4, it adopted Resolution No. 9-45 supporting Presidential Proclamation No. 26-417, which designates 2026 as the Year to “Just Say No” to Illegal Drugs.
The resolution describes illegal drugs as a growing threat to youth, public safety and family stability, noting links to crime, social disruption and the erosion of cultural and family values. It affirms that protecting communities — particularly young people — is a shared responsibility of government, leaders and society.
