WAR VS DRUGS PDEA ADMITS DIFFICULTY IN ARRESTING DRUG LORDS

Gunmen are just killing the small fish Superintendent Wilkins Villanueva,
regional director of the Phil. Drug Enforcement Agency said many of those
persons killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen were mere users of illegal drugs
and not pushers or traders.

He admits the agency is finding it difficult to snare or prosecute big time
drug pushers or drug lords.

"I tell you the truth, it's really an uphill battle against these drug
lords," Villanueva said.

Villanueva said summary execution is not the solution in solving the drug
menace but said "by sheer numbers, these killings somewhat help in the
reduction of the 1,500 persons in our drug watch list but it will not
ultimately solve the problem."

He said the due process of law should prevail.

Based on the latest count, there are already 30 persons killed by
vigilantes this year alone.

Guesting before the weekly press-forum Talakayan, Balitaan at Kaalaman
(Tabak) at the Madayaw Ihaw-Ihaw, Villanueva revealed that there are five
drug lords who are living and engaged in legitimate business here in the
region.

"These drug lords do their illegal drug activities outside region 11," he
clarified.

Villanueva said they need to find solid and concrete pieces of evidence to
pin down and prosecute these drug lords.

"We need to use all the money we acquire from our retirement benefits while
these people will just accumulate money through two-months conduct of their
illegal drug activities," the PDEA director said.

He said the people should help authorities in its battle against illegal
drugs by reporting to proper authorities those persons involved in the
illegal drug trade.