GMA PAYS TRIBUTE TO ANTI-DRUG UNITS

President Arroyo paid tribute yesterday to drugbusters from different
law enforcement agencies, particularly those who raided a "shabu
tiangge" in Pasig City.

Recognized were the men and women of the Philippine National Police,
the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Bureau of
Investigation and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

"Congratulations to all of you and keep up the good work," the
President told the members of the PNP's Anti-Illegal Drugs Special
Operations Task Force, led by Director Marcelo Ele Jr., whom she
personally invited to the Palace for their dedication to the
government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Undersecretary Anselmo Avenido Jr., Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
director general, said they are looking at more operations against
illegal drug traders, saying the "shabu tiangge" in Pasig City
obviously has links to other areas.

He said they were checking all possibilities, including allegations
that there were also illegal drugs being peddled in Divisoria.

Ele and more than a hundred law enforcers were supposed to receive the
citation, but not all of them were able to make it during the simple
rites at Malacanang.

The operation in Pasig City resulted in the arrest of hundreds of
persons, including minors, caught patronizing the one-stop shop for
shabu. Those arrested are detained at the PNP Custodial Center while
the minors are now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare
and Development.

During the program, Avenido briefed the President on the developments
of the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

He told the President that after the successful operation of the
combined elements of PNP-AIDSOTF, NBI, and PAF, they were also able to
arrest 44 people in a drug bust in Tramo, Pasay City on Feb. 14.