Pubdate: Sat, 19 Nov 2005
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Harley Palangchao
Cited: US Office of National Drug Control Policy 
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

P2.5-MILLION BUDGET FOR ANTIDRUG BODY SOUGHT

BAGUIO CITY:  An annual budget of P2.5 million for the city's Antidrug
Action Council would be a great help in the campaign against illegal
drugs, says Vice Mayor Peter Rey Bautista, council chair.

Bautista, who graced the burning of P3-million worth of marijuana and
shabu at the Melvin Jones on Friday, told reporters that the
P2.5-million budget could be sourced out from the internal-revenue
allotment share of Baguio.

He said that part of the budget could be allotted to anti-illegal
drugs enforcement agencies, like the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency, whose operational budget comes from the national
headquarters.

Bautista said modernizing the PDEA office in Baguio would boost the
anti-illegal-drugs campaign, especially in updating the database
members of drug syndicates victimizing even high-school students.

He admitted monitoring a number of high-school students in Baguio
using marijuana.  Latest information reveals that some student also
use shabu, he added.

At least four high-school students were tapped as informants amid
intelligence report that marijuana dealers have been supplying
contraband to some students.

The US Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a convention
with stakeholders this year, released a survey about the risk of
marijuana among minor users. 
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