74 MAKATI NARCOTICS AGENTS FIELDED

The City Government of Makati officially launched its Anti-Drug Abuse
Council (MADAC) with the introduction of 74 civilian personnel from
different barangays.

The MADAC was created last year but was only launched on Wednesday, nearly
two months after the issuance of an executive order and passing of a city
ordinance supporting its creation.

Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who also serves as the chairman of the MADAC,
admitted that there exists an illegal drug problem in the city which
prompted the creation of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Mercado explained that the MADAC would assist the Philippine National
Police in addressing the criminal activities brought about by the illegal
drug trade.

Superintendent Roberto Reyes, consultant for police affairs, noted that the
74 civilian members of MADAC were handpicked from the different barangays
in the city, particularly those reported to have incidence of illegal drug
activities.

Each of the men were carefully screened and tested for drug use by the City
Health Department.

Reyes said that the 74 men would play a vital role in the anti-drug
campaign because they would be immersed in their respective areas.

These civilians would pinpoint the illegal drug activities as well as the
individuals or groups behind the said activities.

The group would be under the direct supervision of the MADAC even as they
complement the activities of the police.

Mayor Jejomar Binay had disclosed that the city government has allocated a
significant amount of funds for the MADAC. "This goes to show that we are
very serious in going after the persons or groups behind the criminal
activities brought about by illegal drugs," Binay said.