Pubdate: Sun, 03 Jul 2004
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: Romeo R. Braceros Jr.

WAR VS DRUGS PDEA ADMITS DIFFICULTY IN ARRESTING DRUG LORDS

Gunmen are just killing the small fish Superintendent Wilkins Villanueva, 
regional director of the Phil. Drug Enforcement Agency said many of those 
persons killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen were mere users of illegal drugs 
and not pushers or traders.

He admits the agency is finding it difficult to snare or prosecute big time 
drug pushers or drug lords.

"I tell you the truth, it's really an uphill battle against these drug 
lords," Villanueva said.

Villanueva said summary execution is not the solution in solving the drug 
menace but said "by sheer numbers, these killings somewhat help in the 
reduction of the 1,500 persons in our drug watch list but it will not 
ultimately solve the problem."

He said the due process of law should prevail.

Based on the latest count, there are already 30 persons killed by 
vigilantes this year alone.

Guesting before the weekly press-forum Talakayan, Balitaan at Kaalaman 
(Tabak) at the Madayaw Ihaw-Ihaw, Villanueva revealed that there are five 
drug lords who are living and engaged in legitimate business here in the 
region.

"These drug lords do their illegal drug activities outside region 11," he 
clarified.

Villanueva said they need to find solid and concrete pieces of evidence to 
pin down and prosecute these drug lords.

"We need to use all the money we acquire from our retirement benefits while 
these people will just accumulate money through two-months conduct of their 
illegal drug activities," the PDEA director said.

He said the people should help authorities in its battle against illegal 
drugs by reporting to proper authorities those persons involved in the 
illegal drug trade.
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