PHILIPPINES TO SEEK U.S. AID FOR NEW ANTI-DRUG AGENCY

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- President Joseph Estrada said Sunday he will
ask the United States to supply patrol boats to a new anti-narcotics agency
that he plans to set up to fight the country's serious drug problem.

After cracking down on kidnappings last year, Estrada has ordered police to
begin a high-profile anti-drugs campaign this year.

"We could not lie to the people. Illegal drugs are really very rampant
today," Estrada told a Manila radio program that is known for commenting on
the problem.

Estrada said a major obstacle to the government campaign was a lack of
basic equipment such as ships to patrol the archipelago's extensive
coastlines.

Estrada said he would ask the United States, which has been aiding the
Philippines in its anti-drugs drive, to help provide patrol boats.

The government will also prioritize the purchase of patrol vessels in an
ongoing military modernization program, he said.

Estrada said he will propose a bill to the Philippine congress to establish
an anti-narcotics agency patterned after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
to consolidate the government's anti-drugs efforts and prevent corruption
among agents through stringent selection of anti-narcotics personnel.

Estrada said many police officials, including generals, have been involved
in the illegal drugs trade "because of the big temptation of money."

Last month, National Police chief Roberto Lastimoso was charged with graft
in connection with allegations he pressured a number of ranking
anti-narcotics officers to release a drug pusher early this year.

He has denied wrongdoing, but the scandal has severely tarnished the
national police and hindered the government's anti-drug campaign.

About 1.7 million Filipinos are addicted to various illegal drugs,
according to police estimates.