PUSH ANTI-DRUGS WAR DOWN TO THE BARANGAY LEVEL

THE government's campaign against drug lords, kidnappers, and other
criminal elements is gaining ground under the direct supervision of no less
than President GMA.

But the anti-crime drive must be intensified and sustained to deter growing
criminality - and win the trust and confidence of businessmen and the
people in general.

The dismantling of two shabu factories in Antipolo and Pasig City last week
are clear proofs that it can be done with greater determination and hard
work. Let us then bust more drug lords before they bust us!

The discovery that the Pasig shabu factory can produce R1 billion worth of
shabu a day is quite disturbing. If unchecked, narco-politics Colombia
style can't be far behind and could rule the country!

Pushing the anti-illegal drug campaign down to the barangays, under the
"Barangay Kontra Droga'' program launched earlier by PGMA and DILG Sec.
Jose Lina, should be given greater support by barangay officials, police
officers, youth leaders, and the community as a whole. Let's stop
drug-pushing and drug-use right at the grassroots!

Likewise, the anti-kidnapping campaign scored points with the busting of a
big kidnap-for-ransom syndicate in Bataan last week, killing almost all its
members. It was "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!"

Many groups present at the recent burial of kidnap victim Betti Sy cried in
pain over such unnecessary killing. They also cried "Death to kidnappers!''

National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (Naktaf) head Angelo Reyes has given
assurance that the campaign will be made more effective. Also make it
pre-emptive, sir!

The campaign against other criminal elements will also be intensified,
especially in the metropolis, says PNP NCRPO Chief Rey Velasco. What's good
for Metro could also be good for the rest of thecountry.

A lower crime rate and better peace and order conditions will bring greater
socio-economic benefits to the entire country. They could also translate
into political gain for re-electonist PGMA.

As a country, we must show our outrage and intensify the fight vs crime.

Crime is grime! Down with crime!