Pubdate: Wed, 07 Jan 2004
Source: Sunstar General Santos (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004, Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/gensan/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2450

CAIDTF SETS TO DECLARE 3 BARANGAYS DRUG-FREE

THE General Santos City Anti-Illegal Drug Taskforce (CAIDTF) is ready
to declare the remaining three barangays in the city as drug-free.

CAIDTF head Insp. Alexander Sarabia said they are going to resume
clearing operation in Barangays Dadiangas East, Labangal and
Katangawan, three of the remaining barangays that are still
drug-infested.

Sarabai also lamented that only few drug users and pushers, who
voluntarily surrendered to the authorities last year, have returned to
normal lives due to lack of support from local authorities.

He said reformists should be given livelihood opportunities, which are
now being given priority by barangay officials and law enforcers.

More than 1,000 self-confessed drug pushers and users availed of the
government's amnesty program last year.

Despite the lack of government support for these reformists, Sarabia
urged them to refrain from again engaging in illegal drug trade. MFV
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin