DRUG PROBLEM IN PRO-10 WORSENS

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--The number of barangays affected by prohibited
drugs under the areas of responsibility of the Philippine National
Police Regional Office in Region 10 (PRO-10) has increased by
two-thirds in the second quarter of this year.

As if this wasn't enough, another 27 policemen have tested positive
for prohibited drugs.

Only 70 of 1,025 barangays were reported to be drug-affected for the
first quarter of this year, but the figure has risen to 120 by the
second quarter.

Bukidnon topped the list with 50 affected barangays, followed by
Cagayan de Oro with 44, Misamis Oriental with 21 and Camiguin with
five.

Supt. Emmanuel Z. Lluisma, PRO-10 public information officer, said 351
drug pushers and 247 drug users in the region still remain to be
"neutralized."

Intelligence reports indicate the drugs coming into the region
originate from the cities of Ozamiz, Cebu and Marawi.

To counter the threat, Lluisma said PRO-10 was conducting drug
awareness seminars in the affected barangays and schools, while
volunteer organizations such as the Barangay Against Narcotic Abusers
and Traffickers (BANAT) and anti-drug abuse councils run after the
drug pushers and users.