Pubdate: Thu, 03 Mar 2005
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.visayandailystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: GPB
Cited: Philippine National Police http://www.pnp.gov.ph
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

PROPOSED ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN HITS SNAG

The revival of the controversial spray-painting on houses of suspected drug 
pushers proposed by anti-drug czar Ricardo de Leon may not get the support 
of the police in Western Visayas.

Newly-installed regional police chief Doroteo Reyes II yesterday said 
"These are matters which should be bounded by the law".

"We cannot just come up with some kind of initiatives which would infringe 
the rights of other persons, or whatever." Reyes added.

De Leon, chief of the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task 
Force, issued a challenge to local government units to show their political 
will in the campaign against prohibited drugs, and to study the possibility 
of passing an ordinance authorizing the spray painting of houses of 
suspected drug pushers.

The controversial spray-painting campaign which was implemented by then 
National Bureau of Investigation director, now Senator Alfredo Lim, in the 
mid 1990s, came under fire from rights advocates and even lawmakers.

Reyes, however, said " We are always limited by law", apparently referring 
to the campaign against illegal drugs.

De Leon said that if the LGUs will show strong political will and the 
police can prove its moral ascendancy in the implementation of drug laws, 
then they can be more effective.

Reyes ordered all provincial and city police directors in Western Visayas 
to arrest at least five percent of wanted persons and drug offenders in 
their areas every month.

If you continue to lag behind, then we can come up some sanctions, 
including relief, Reyes said, referring to police commanders.

He added that cleansing the streets of lawless elements and drug pushers is 
a big challenge for them.

Reyes, however, added that he will do his best to achieve his goal.
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