PELAYO DECLARES WAR VS DRUG PUSHERS, USERS

CANDABA -- On his first week in office, Mayor Jerry Pelayo declared war
against the use and proliferation of illegal drugs in hs town as he assured
the people here that he would crack down on drug pushers and users.

This developed as he instructed Chief Insp. Jovencio Flores, newly assigned
chief of police here who replaced Sr. Insp. Santiago Rodriguez, to increase
police visibility to make Candaba a drug and crime-free municipality.

The mayor said he would bring the fight against illegal drugs in every
barangay as he warned all those involved in illegal drugs to stop their
operations and advised them to get out of this town.

Pelayo said he would implement the full force of the law just to bring them
in jail "or in hell."

Pelayo said in his fight against illegal drugs, he needs the cooperation of
every Candabeno, barangay officials and all the communities here.

Pelayo said drug pushers have no place in the 33 barangays of the town,
even as he said he will apply preventive measures to fight the use and
proliferation of drugs.

In relation to this, Pelayo vowed to give all the necessary support and
benefits to the police officers, provided they would perform their duties
and responsibilities at all times.

The mayor also instructed the new chief of police to increase police
visibility for the maintenance of peace and order.

Pelayo said he wants the Candaba police station to bag the "Best Police
Station of the Year" and this town as the "Best Municipality."

In addition, Pelayo asked the municipal employees to work hard and help him
in budgeting the municipal expenditures and expenses.

Asked if he would lay-off casuals identified with the former mayor, Pelayo
said he would not fire anybody except those who are "non-performing."