NEGROS COPS TO PRIORITIZE ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG CAMPAIGN

BACOLOD CITY - In a determined effort to clean Negros Occidental's
image as the transshipment point of illegal drugs in Western Visayas,
Gov. Rafael Coscolluela yesterday ordered the provincial and city
police officers to "prioritize the campaign against illegal drugs."

Coscolluela stood firm on his decision despite strong opposition from
several local government units because of the millions of pesos the
governor is asking them to contribute to the P40-million anti-drugs
fund.

Coscolluela, who met with Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office
director Supt. Geary Barias and Bacolod City Police Office director
Supt. Amado Marquez, expressed hope the police would be "more
aggressive this year (in addressing the drug problem)."

He admitted that several LGUs strongly opposed the move because of
the huge amount involved.

He assured them that the money would be "put into good use and
effective implementation."

Urging the LGUs to look at the brighter side, the governor said that
"with a concerted campaign, we would have more accomplishments this
year."

"We have lost excuses not to make an effective campaign and now that
we have more than enough to battle this evil in our community, we
hope to see a reduction or elimination of illegal drugs in the
province," he said.

Coscolluela said that 2000 is a year "better forgotten" and expressed
confidence that despite the challenges faced by the people "made
worst by the bombings and the political crisis, the PNP is not
demoralized and would not be affected."

A total of P40 million has been set aside for the campaign, P8.8
million of which will come from the provincial government.

From the provincial government's contribution, Barias proposed using
P3.5 million for the purchase of equipment, reproduction of
informative materials and seminar trainings, which he said would
"make our police personnel and commands more effective in dealing
with the drug problem."

Lack of funds was earlier cited as a major problem in past campaigns
but with the renewed support of the provincial and city governments,
Barias "hoped to have a high accomplishment this year."

Meanwhile, the governor stressed that the answer to the gambling
problem is the people themselves and not just the politicians. Unless
the people stop gambling "we would not be able to eradicate the
problem," he said.

He said pertinent laws against illegal gambling should be amended to
make the drive effective. He urged the Provincial Board and the PNP
to "draft a resolution asking Congress to amend the law."

Coscolluela also warned the police and other government officials
against coddling gambling lords, stressing: "We must not tolerate and
we must not get anything from illegal gambling."