Pubdate: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 Source: Sunstar Bacolod (Philippines) Copyright: 2003sSunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1718 Author: Roberto L. Bacasong Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines (Philippines) 7 BRGY HEADS IN STATION 2 BACK ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG DRIVE Seven of the 12 village chieftains in barangays under Police Station 2 vowed to support the police's and the City Government's all-out war against illegal drugs. The village heads held a dialogue with Senior Supt. Mario Avenido, city police director, Intelligence head Chief Insp. Harold Tuzon, and Police Station 2 commander Senior Insp. Jimmy Fortaleza last Saturday at Barangay 2 village hall. The barangay has been tagged as the "shabu country" in Bacolod City. Avenido and the village officials discussed measures and problems for a more intensified illegal drug campaign in the barangays. Avenido said residents in the area also welcomed them during their visit. The seven chieftains who vowed to support Avenido in their drive against the menace are Sammy Gaitan, of Barangay 1; Sebastian Mendoza, Barangay 2; Brigid Tan, Barangay 3; Felix Jardenico, Barangay 5; Elcid Familiaran, Barangay 13; Graciano "Bebot" Fuentes, Barangay 17; and Madelyn Diaz, Barangay 18. Avenido lauded the villagemen for assisting troopers of the Regional Mobile Group and Police Station 2 in the seal-off project launched last Sept. 25. Mendoza said the number of drug users and couriers in Barangay 2 decreased since the seal-off project was launched. He said they will support the police every time a house visitation among the residents is conducted. Avenido, on the other hand, said the interest of villagemen about the ill effects of drugs is a positive indication of their support to the government's campaign against it. On the other hand, residents in the seven barangays also backed the City Government's Curfew Ordinance for minors. A resident urged Avenido to detail roving personnel during nighttime to secure their area especially during the wee-hours. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin