BACKING THEIR CONTENTION

A REPORT from Butuan City said their top police officials there all tested
negative for drug use while five of their non-commissioned police officers
tested positive.

This bit of information is encouraging at least in light of the recent
development from the central government.

It was disclosed at the same time the Arroyo administration said it would
come out with a list of names of drug trafficking suspects that are
operating in the country. Very interesting except we really doubt if
President Arroyo would go through with it.

Then again she only has one full year left for her administration and the
President may go for broke this time notwithstanding the many big toes she's
going to step over in her seemingly determined campaign against drugs.

One of those big toes she's going to step into is incumbent Sen. Panfilo
"Ping" Lacson whose drive to the presidency is hampered by two very big
obstacles; Arroyo herself and another political opposition kingpin Eduardo
"Danding" Cojuangco.

But first the Mindanao scene. Like we said the drug tests on the Caraga
police officials as ordered and led by PNP-13 Caraga director Supt. Alberto
Olario are encouraging but at the same time it's not totally indicative of
the drug situation in that particular part of the country.

Some police officials may not be using drugs and even test negative for drug
use but who's to say they are totally blameless in other less than desirable
activities like drug trafficking and protection?

For them the lure is not the drugs but the really huge revenues generated
from the sale of these substances. One obviously doesn't need to be a drug
addict in order to feel the power that its use and sale to others brings;
it's a different kind of "high."

Proof that the tests don't tell the whole drug situation in Butuan City is
the disclosure that one of their barangays is a haven for drug pushers as
well as a drop-off point for drug shipments.

Their City Hall there blames the worsening drug situation to the poor
performance of its Northern Police Precinct. So if they are to replace the
existing police chief they better make a better choice this time around.

Here in Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano threw the gauntlet by warning
both precinct commanders and local officials against protecting drug and
other crime syndicates operating in Cagayan de Oro.

We don't how or whether the mayor is really serious in his announcement but
then the public takes him at his word and so they do expect City Hall to
come up with positive results now.

A bigger gauntlet was thrown by the Arroyo Government and it is directed not
only on the drug lords themselves but also on terror groups which the former
accused of using drugs and drug money to finance their activities.

Then the President has to deal with the fact that Lacson et al and the horde
of critics will oppose their action every step of the way to protect their
interests.

The case with all three remains the same; Back their contention with proof
and strong positive action. Then more of the public will believe, rally
around and join them.