3.4 MILLION FILIPINOS NOW USE DRUGS

Despite the government's much-publicized accomplishments against drug
traffickers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) admitted on Wednesday
that the drug menace was getting worse.

There are now an estimated 3.4 million drug users nationwide with the
illegal drug trade now a P250-billion industry, according to Deputy
Director General Edgar Aglipay, the PNP's point man against drug traffickers.

During the launching of its crackdown on illegal drugs in June last year,
the Macapagal administration said there were around 1.8 million users at
that time.

Working Together Stressed "It has increased that's why we really have to
work together," Aglipay told reporters in a press conference.

The number of drug users ballooned despite the dismantling of six major
drug syndicates and 24 drug laboratories and warehouses in the last 12
months, the official admitted.

Asked why the problem was getting worse despite the accomplishments,
Aglipay appeared vague, blaming the lack of sufficient rehabilitation centers.

Even if the government had substantially reduced the supply of illegal
drugs, he said the effort could not succeed until there were no more drug
users.

Drug Users Undaunted He said drug users were apparently unperturbed even if
the price of banned substances has shot up.

A gram of shabu now costs P2,500, 400 percent more than its price before
the government crackdown.

Worried by the worsening problem, Aglipay has tapped at least eight
archbishops to help educate the public on the government campaign.

The official met on Wednesday with Zamboanga Archbishop Carmelo Morelos who
agreed to put up a branch of the Basic Christian Community (BCC) in his
area of jurisdiction.

The PNP, with the help of local church officials, has been putting up BCCs
in drug infested areas such as Metro Manila and Regions 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, and 13.

Educating The Community The BCCs, which have been formed to help in
evangelization, are being tapped in educating members of the community
about the evils of drug abuse.

Also, the PNP said, members of the local Christian communities are asked to
seek and identify drug dependents whom they are to encourage to undergo
rehabilitation.