Pubdate: Sun, 14 Jan 2001
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Fax: 527-7534
Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp
Author: Jun Ramirez

YOUTHS BACK CITY DRIVE ON DRUGS

Thousands of students from 25 universities and colleges in Manila as well 
as members of various multi-sectoral groups have expressed their allout 
support to the renewed campaign of Interior and Local Government Secretary 
Alfredo S. Lim to rid the city of drug pushers.

The students who formed themselves into a group dubbed "Alliance of Student 
Leaders-Manila" committed to transform the city into a drug-free community. 
They joined the first batch of 3,000 drug fighters who took their oath last 
week.

The students are tasked to monitor the presence of drug traffickers in 
their respective barangays and report them to the Katapat Center of the 
Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) located at the 
university belt in Sampaloc.

Lim said the police will provide armed support under the direct supervision 
of the DILG. The other supporting agencies will be the Dangerous Drugs 
Board (DDB), school and church authorities, and barangay officials.

He said the youths from 46 parishes have also joined the anti-drug campaign 
handing themselves into "Kabataan Simbahan Laban sa Droga at Karahasan."

The multi-sectoral organizations representing the six districts of Manila 
also signed a manifesto called "Tipan ng Bayan Laban sa Droga at 
Kahirapan." These included the Urban Poor, Ina ng Tahanan, Bantay Bayan, 
Ladies Auxiliary Brigades, Kaisa Community Organization, senior citizens, 
and vendors.

Expressing deep concern over the problem, Lim noted that since he left City 
Hall, major drug pushing and addiction have reached alarming proportion, 
triggering the rise of drug-related crimes such as rape, murder, and robbery.

"Our main concern right now is to identify drug pushers, send them to jail 
so that the flow of drug supply to users will be effectively cut bringing a 
more peaceful and harmonious community," Lim declared.

The former mayor expressed elation and deep gratitude to the flurry of 
supports extended by city residents to his campaign to save the city from 
the clutches of drug dealers.

Schools joining the intensified drug crusade include the De La Salle 
University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East 
(UE), Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU), Feati University, the 
University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Mapua, and Lyceum.

Lim, together with civic leaders and barangay officials, will march around 
the second district of Tondo today to gather more support and dramatize his 
serious concern in putting an end to the drug menace.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D