Pubdate: Tue, 01 Aug 2006
Source: Sun.Star Baguio (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bag/2005/02/27/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1942
Author: Roberto L. Bacasong
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PROLIFERATION OF DRUGS IN SCHOOL PROBED

BACOLOD City Police Office Director Pedro Merced vowed  to look into 
the increase in the sale of illegal drugs  in some schools in the city.

Merced's pronouncement came after a first year student  from Bata 
National High School was caught in the act of  smoking marijuana 
inside the school's comfort room  Thursday morning.

The 15-year-old boy (name withheld by Sun.Star) was  brought to 
Police Station 3 for questioning. It was  there when he claimed that 
an illegal drug trade  frequently occurs inside their school premises.

With this, Merced ordered an intensified campaign  against drugs 
inside the schools in Bacolod City.

He cited the number of apprehensions they have made as  a proof of 
the heightened campaign.

Aside from school campaigns, the BCPO is also looking  into the 
reported Mindanao group, which is allegedly  trying to bring in shabu 
to the city.

Merced said the Muslim community strongly supports the  Bacolod 
Police drive against illegal drugs.

He added that all units of the Philippine National  Police in Negros 
Occidental are coordinating with each  other to preempt the entry of 
illegal drugs.

"All points of entry like the sea ports, terminals and  airports are 
well secured by our PNP personnel," said  Merced.

The BCPO director also appealed to every citizen of  this city to 
help the Police in their campaign.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman