Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jul 2003
Source: Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Philippines)
Copyright: 2003 Mindanao Gold Star Daily.
Contact:  http://goldstar.sni.ph
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2992
Author: Mark Francisco

MONTALBA: ORO POLICE KEEPING AN EYE ON 100 SUSPECTED DRUG PUSHERS

OVER 100 suspected drug pushers in Cagayan de Oro are being monitored by 
the police.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office acting director Chief Insp. Antonio 
Montalba said the local police has been coordinating with the Philippine 
Drug Enforcement Agency-10 (PDEA-10) and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse 
Council in keeping an eye on the suspects.

Montalba admitted he could not assure that the police would be able arrest 
all the suspects given the difficulty of gathering evidence.

He said the city police is working hard to gather sufficient evidence so 
that by the time suspects are arrested, the prospects of winning a court 
conviction would be wide.

Meanwhile, a councilor has proposed that all city hall officials and 
employees undergo drug tests.

Councilor Reynaldo Advincu-la said that if the city council's committee on 
health can have its way, all city government officials and employees would 
be subjected to drug tests.

Advincula also said random tests should be done so that people who would be 
examined will not be able to prepare.

Random drug tests, according to Advincula, would ensure that any drug user 
in city hall's approximately 3,000 work force would be caught.

But Advincula's proposal doesn't end at city hall. He said random drug 
tests must also be imposed on drivers in the city.

Advincula said drivers, especially those driving public vehicles, must be 
flagged down right at the city thoroughfares and their urine samples tested 
immediately.

He said this can be done by the Department of Health (DOH), the police 
and/or the Land Transportation Office.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens