Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jul 2005
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Jun P. Yap
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

FIL-SINO GROUP HELPS IN BUILDING DRUG NAMELIST

With the reported confusion over Chinese individuals allowing
suspected drug lords to flee the country, Chinese-Filipino groups have
volunteered to help in building a database of these suspects.

In a radio statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) anti-drug czar
Ricardo de Leon yesterday said the Citizens Action Against Crime
(CAAC) is now working with them to resolve the issue of Chinese names
in the government's hold-departure lists.

"We know Chinese names can easily be manipulated, with the last name
being interchanged with the first name, and so on. We are working with
CAAC chairman Teresita Ang-See's group to resolve the issue," De Leon
said in an interview over radio station dzMM.

He said Ang-See pledged to help authorities on the matter during a
recent meeting in Malacanang, when they complained about the confusion
over Chinese names.

De Leon said this will help government greatly, as authorities
presently rely only on verification with the Chinese Embassy over such
names.

In the meantime, he said authorities will continue to work on leads
against drug syndicates, especially those making methamphetamine
hydrochloride (shabu).

Government has set its sights on small shabu laboratories operating
inside residential subdivisions in Metro Manila and other urbanized
areas in the country.

Raids on many shabu laboratories earlier this year indicate the
facilities were leased by Chinese.

Earlier this year, the police launched yet another anti-drug drive,
this time involving the family in the fight against illegal drugs.
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