Pubdate: Sun, 15 May 2011 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2011 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Author: Ivy C. Tejano DRUG BUREAU, MAGDALO TIE UP VS ILLEGAL DRUGS THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao Region vowed to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs following an agreement with the Samahang Magdalo. Emerson R. Rosales, PDEA officer in charge in Davao Region, said his group has seen the great potential of the Samahang Magdalo as a strong partner and a force multiplier in the campaign against illegal drugs. Rosales said with its members' extreme code of conduct, the PDEA in Davao Region and Samahang Magdalo can thoroughly deliver a preventive education and much broader programs for the community, to fight illegal drugs. "It is indeed the community that plays a vital role in the fight against illegal drugs," Rosales said. Rosales added that with the memorandum of agreement, they can initiate change in support to the government's aggressive illegal drugs campaign. Walking the talk Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes III assured he will remain supportive not only to PDEA but also to other agencies' initiative for the common welfare of the public. Trillanes said the memorandum of agreement would exemplify the commitment of the Samahang Magdalo along the community to fight illegal drugs. "Kung noong 2003 ang Samahang Magdalo ay more on talk the talk, ngayon po ay more on walk the talk na po tayo. Nasa position na po sila to do something and make a change for the common good of the public," Trillanes said. "Ito pong laban sa droga ay hindi pwede maging reactive. We should have a proactive approach in fighting against illegal drugs dahil pag hindi, magiging national security problem ito pagdating ng araw," Trillanes added. Trillanes said if he could do something about these problems, institutionally and structurally he would like to strengthen all PDEA regional offices through the following: an operating arm such that personnel can conduct their own operations and not always joint operations with law enforcement agencies; additional equipment; amendment of some drug laws; and creation of special drug courts. Trillanes said he also plans to allocate funds for PDEA depending on their needs. Trillanes said Samahang Magdalo now has a membership of 110,000 in 400 chapters nationwide. Samsudin T. Lintongan, vice-president of Mindanao Samahang Magdalo, assured the public that there will be a movement for change. "People could expect intensified war against illegal drugs and I ask all for your support dahil ito po ay sa kapakanan ng lahat," Lintongan said - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.