DRUGBUSTERS EMBARK ON EDUCATIONAL TOUR

Five mobile training teams of the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special
Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) are touring schools, community and
workplaces in Metro Manila and the provinces to teach students,
employees and out-of-school youths the evils of prohibited drugs.

AIDSOTF chief Director Marcelo Ele Jr. said the mobile teams are
making great strides to educate and keep Filipinos away from illegal
drugs as part of their demand reduction program.

"We are receiving positive feedback on the work done by our trainors
and this is attested by the numerous invitations for their appearance
in schools and workplaces in Metro Manila and the provinces," Ele said.

He said AIDSOTF trainors are scheduled to meet students of the
Philippine College of Criminology in Manila this week. They will motor
to Sta. Barbara town in Pangasinan next month on the invitation of
retired police general Reynaldo Velasco.

The five AIDSOTF training teams are headed by Senior Superintendent
Erasto Sanchez, Senior Inspector's Lyra Valera and Aniceto Partoza.

Ele said the teams have visited at least 20 sites since he assumed
command of the AIDSOTF last September.

"We are intensifying our demand reduction program and we are targeting
the students, workers, professionals and out-of-school youths, whom we
believe are the most vulnerable to drug addiction," he said.

Ele said the teams use film clips to show how illegal drugs destroy
the family and their future.

Those in attendance are taught how to detect persons using illegal
drugs as well as identify chemicals and precursors in the manufacture
and different kinds of prohibited substance.

"Of course, the students, workers and out-of-school youths will also
be taught how to report to police authorities suspicious
personalities, especially those involved in drug peddling," Ele said.

AIDSOTF units in Metro Manila and the provinces are the one's
designating areas to be visited by their five training teams, said
Ele, noting that those requesting their presence at his office are
given top priority.

Since its inception in June 2003, AIDSOTF was able to neutralize 49
shabu laboratories and warehouses all over the country and has
confiscated P3.8 billion worth of illegal drugs, equipment and raw
materials.

Since he assumed his post, the raid on the shabu "tiangge" in Pasig
City by the AIDSOTF Special Operation Unit (SOU) headed by
Superintendent Jojo Acierto has been Ele's first big
accomplishment.

"While our trainors are busy in the demand reduction side of solving
the drug problem, our SOUs are also hitting the source of illegal
drugs," the AIDSOTF chief said.

Those interested in availing of the AIDSOTF training teams' services
can dial telephone numbers 7221918 and 7227976 or through PNP Txt 2920.

"Our training teams are available at short notice free of charge," Ele
said.