NEW CITY POLICE CHIEF VOWS TO FIGHT DRUGS

The newly-installed chief of police of Dumaguete City yesterday vowed
to lessen the proliferation of illegal drugs, as he asked the
cooperation of the public.

Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag assumed the post effective yesterday, from
Supt. Dionardo Carlos, who was reassigned to the Negros Oriental
Police Provincial Office in Agan-an, Sibulan town.

Cabanag said if he was able to bring down to zero the problem of
illegal drugs in Guihulngan City, in Negros Oriental, there's no
reason he cannot do it in Dumaguete, provided he gets the support of
the community.

On the other hand, the local Philippine Chamber of Commerce and
Industry headed by Councilor Manuel Sagarbarria assured Cabanag of
its support to maintain industrial peace in Dumaguete.

Sagarbarria, however, said he believes it is impossible to bring down
to zero the illegal drugs cases in Dumaguete because "it's like
asking for the moon."

But he clarified that he is very optimistic that Cabanag will be able
to minimize the drug menace.

Meanwhile, Mayor Agustin Perdices said he has personal knowledge
about the background of Cabanag, whose father David, left an
untarnished record as public official in Bais City, the mayor added.

Perdices said the son could do better than his father, adding that he
has high hopes for Cabanag to maintain the city's pride as No. 1 in
the country in maintaining peace and order.

"Our role as politicians is temporary, but our city will remain," the
mayor pointed out.