Pubdate: Thu, 27 May 2004 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2004 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Author: Ram Maxey Note: also listed for feedback TWO CRIME-FIGHTERS Davao crime statistics show that the city has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, which suggests that Duterte's style of dealing with criminals is effective, despite criticism from his detractors. Among the most vocal exponents of the country's all-out war against illegal drugs has been none other than the Senate's chairman of the committee on illegal drugs himself, Sen. Robert Barbers. Running for reelection in the May 10 polls, the senator from Surigao City is grimly contesting the 12th slot in the senatorial race with Koalisyon ng Karanasan at Katapatan para sa Kinabukasan (K-4) partymate Sen. Rodolfo Biazon. Should Barbers fail to make it to the Magic 12, it would be a big blow to the campaign against the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the country. Hopefully, the campaign will continue under a new chairman who will have the same intensity and drive as Barbers whose record along that line speaks for itself. During his reelection bid campaign, Barbers dwelt extensively on the remarkable gains achieved by the government in the nationwide drive against this modern day scourge, and why it must not be wasted but vigorously sustained. It may be recalled that Barbers had made a similar appeal during the launching of the nationwide Kontro Droga campaign of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City. It was attended by more than 5,000 members of different tricycle operators' and drivers' associations and non-government organizations (NGOs) who committed themselves to the fight against illegal drugs. As of that time, the DILG reported having arrested 23,425 drug offenders, raided 19 big shabu laboratories and warehouses with a total street value of P13 billion and apparently neutralized 155 local and international drug syndicates and their operations in 3,571 barangays throughout the country. No doubt that if reelected, Sen. Barbers would continue to spearhead the anti-illegal drugs campaign to its logical conclusion. But as of this writing, the gentleman from Surigao City is in 13th place of the standings in the senatorial race. Speaking of illegal drugs where Davao City is concerned, the reelection of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to a fifth term on the other hand spells trouble for drug pushers and other types of criminals. His obsession to make Davao a drug-free city and his hands-on approach in making it a reality will be the hallmark of his next three years in city hall. Davao crime statistics show that the city has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, which suggests that Duterte's style of dealing with criminals is effective, despite criticism from his detractors. To Duterte, dead criminals mean less innocent people dying. "Frankly, I don't mind if all criminals in this world go to hell," he once told a correspondent from Reuters in an interview. Criminals, take note. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin