ALL-OUT CAMPAIGN VS DRUGS LAUNCHED

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched yesterday an
all-out war against illegal drugs by implementing comprehensive measures
aimed at eliminating drug trafficking, drug abuse and drug-related heinous
crimes.

DILG Secretary Alfredo S. Lim, together with Undersecretary Narciso P.
Santiago Jr., presented to the media an antidrug manual containing the
measures and strategies at a press conference held yesterday at the DILG
Central Office in Quezon City.

"This manual is part of our commitment and that of the local government
units to the President to fight the menace of illegal drugs and drug abuse
particularly on the local level," Sec. Lim said.

The press conference was also attended by Mamamayan Ayaw Sa Droga (MAD)
chairman and presidential son J.V. Ejercito, Chief Supt. Jewel Canson,
Undersecretary Rafaelito Garayblas and other top DILG officials.

He said the country's 78 provinces, 83 cities, 1,536 municipalities and
41,926 barangays will be harnessed in the implementation of the measures.

The DILG secretary said President Estrada had earlier enjoined all
provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays to
intensify local-government action against illegal drugs in coordination with
other government agencies and non-government organizations.

Under the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, local government units are
mandated to ensure the promotion of health and safety, improvement of public
morals, and maintenance of peace and order in their respective localities.

Undersecretary Santiago said that the significant anti-drug measures
embodied in the manual include the Presidential Award for Best Performer
Local Government Units Against Illegal Drugs; the creation by the Supreme
Court of special courts to handle dangerous drugs cases; the amendment of
executive order 189 granting local government units no less than 5 percent
of the 20 percent development fund component of the IRA for anti-illegal
drug activities at the local level.

Lim said the President has directed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to
allocate P10 million for the operational requirements of the awards program.

Lim said that the institutionalization of a system of providing incentives
and rewards is aimed to propel local officials and their constituents to
perform better and achieve a tradition of work excellence for a drug-free
society.

The award shall be divided into three categories namely, Best Performer
City, Best Performer Municipality and Best Performer Barangay.

Santiago explained that the measure for the creation of special courts is
intended to speed up the resolution of drug related cases, thus deter the
commission of illegal drug related crimes.

"The proliferation and use of illegal drugs hamper government's overall
effort in promoting productive family life, community peace and harmony and
ultimately, nation-building and national development," he said.

Reports showed that some 6,000 barangays nationwide, with over 1.7 million
people have been into the illegal drug trade, either as dealer, pushers, or
users.

Likewise, the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will strengthen
the Drug Enforcement Teams in every level of the PNP command to take the
lead and responsibility in the early detection and proper investigation of
all illegal drug-related cases involving drugs syndicates, pushers and
users.

Other measures adopted include: the organization and strengthening of local
anti-drug abuse councils; initiating and sustaining advocacy and information
campaign; implementation of a skills training program on effective and
efficient detection, investigation and management of evidence and
prosecution of law enforcers relative to illegal drug cases.