PDEA Chief Bats for Drug-free Bikol

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 26  - Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago urged all local officials to help fight the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Bikol region.

In a forum on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Education Community Enforcement held here Friday, Santiago appealed to barangay officials and city/ municipal anti-drug coordinating councils to strengthen their efforts in order to make the whole Bicol region free from illegal drugs.

"Our concerted effort is very important to realize that Bikol will be freed from illegal drugs," Santiago said.

According to him, the role of barangay officials in solving illegal drugs is very vital. "They are in the forefront to crack down illegal drugs in their respective localities.

"We need to help each other, PDEA will not stop in its fight to eradicate the menace in our society - which is illegal drugs," Santiago also said.

The PDEA in Bikol is committed to sustain the intensified campaign against illegal drugs from the regional down to barangay level.

"Unfortunately, several reports reaching our office say that Bicol region is still beset with problems in the use of illegal drugs and the presence of pushers, drug syndicates despite our relentless campaign," Santiago said.

He commended the active participation of local anti-drug councils in Bikol region. "The active involvement of every local anti-drug council is commendable and we truly appreciate their efforts in helping PDEA."

PDEA is conducting a regional forum among local elected officials, local anti-drug councils and barangay police to strengthen their campaign to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs throughout the country. (PNA)