Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila Fax: 527-7534 Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp Author: Rico C. Navarro ALL-OUT CAMPAIGN VS DRUGS LAUNCHED The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched yesterday an all-out war against illegal drugs by implementing comprehensive measures aimed at eliminating drug trafficking, drug abuse and drug-related heinous crimes. DILG Secretary Alfredo S. Lim, together with Undersecretary Narciso P. Santiago Jr., presented to the media an antidrug manual containing the measures and strategies at a press conference held yesterday at the DILG Central Office in Quezon City. "This manual is part of our commitment and that of the local government units to the President to fight the menace of illegal drugs and drug abuse particularly on the local level," Sec. Lim said. The press conference was also attended by Mamamayan Ayaw Sa Droga (MAD) chairman and presidential son J.V. Ejercito, Chief Supt. Jewel Canson, Undersecretary Rafaelito Garayblas and other top DILG officials. He said the country's 78 provinces, 83 cities, 1,536 municipalities and 41,926 barangays will be harnessed in the implementation of the measures. The DILG secretary said President Estrada had earlier enjoined all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays to intensify local-government action against illegal drugs in coordination with other government agencies and non-government organizations. Under the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, local government units are mandated to ensure the promotion of health and safety, improvement of public morals, and maintenance of peace and order in their respective localities. Undersecretary Santiago said that the significant anti-drug measures embodied in the manual include the Presidential Award for Best Performer Local Government Units Against Illegal Drugs; the creation by the Supreme Court of special courts to handle dangerous drugs cases; the amendment of executive order 189 granting local government units no less than 5 percent of the 20 percent development fund component of the IRA for anti-illegal drug activities at the local level. Lim said the President has directed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to allocate P10 million for the operational requirements of the awards program. Lim said that the institutionalization of a system of providing incentives and rewards is aimed to propel local officials and their constituents to perform better and achieve a tradition of work excellence for a drug-free society. The award shall be divided into three categories namely, Best Performer City, Best Performer Municipality and Best Performer Barangay. Santiago explained that the measure for the creation of special courts is intended to speed up the resolution of drug related cases, thus deter the commission of illegal drug related crimes. "The proliferation and use of illegal drugs hamper government's overall effort in promoting productive family life, community peace and harmony and ultimately, nation-building and national development," he said. Reports showed that some 6,000 barangays nationwide, with over 1.7 million people have been into the illegal drug trade, either as dealer, pushers, or users. Likewise, the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will strengthen the Drug Enforcement Teams in every level of the PNP command to take the lead and responsibility in the early detection and proper investigation of all illegal drug-related cases involving drugs syndicates, pushers and users. Other measures adopted include: the organization and strengthening of local anti-drug abuse councils; initiating and sustaining advocacy and information campaign; implementation of a skills training program on effective and efficient detection, investigation and management of evidence and prosecution of law enforcers relative to illegal drug cases. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk