COMMUNITY PRESS URGED TO SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

The community press composed of publishers, editors, and broadcasters
of radio and television stations have been exhorted to mobilize their
resources to support the re-invigorated anti-illegal drug campaign of
the government.

Juan P. Dayang, president of the Publishers Association of the
Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and secretary of the Catholic Mass Media
Awards (CMMA), yesterday rallied members of the community press to
"fully mobilize and utilize their resources all over the archipelago
to support the government's war against dangerous and illegal drugs
now threatening the country's stability.''

Dayang, in an executive meeting in Tagaytay City with PAPI
coordinators, said the community press must exercise their influence
and prove the effectiveness of the press in their areas by initiating
a massive information campaign to inform and educate people,
particularly youngsters, of the dangers of illegal drugs.

"The community journalists and broadcasters once again must meet the
call of duty demanded by their profession by helping the authorities
expose the people behind these nefarious activities,'' Dayang said.
"Failure to do so means forfeiting the most important function of the
press,'' he added.

In the recently concluded 4th Executive Session of Editors and
Publishers, PAPI has adopted a resolution supporting the anti-illegal
drug war launched by the administration led by President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo.