PDEA chief notes minimal illegal drug problem in Leyte, other Eastern Visayas areas
April 28, 2009 1:23 am
By Garry A. Vacunawa
TACLOBAN CITY, April 26 –- Leyte is a very lucky province because the illegal drug problem in the locality is not as big as in other areas in the country.
This was disclosed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio R. Santiago in a press conference on Saturday at the Leyte Park Hotel here.
The former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff noted that illegal drug trade in Leyte and in Eastern Visayas as a whole is minimal.
One reason for this, according to Santiago, is the absence of active night life activities even in the major cities of Leyte and other provinces of the region. He noted that the people here, and even visitors, prefer to just sleep rather than go out at night.
Active night life in a particular place, according to him, is dangerous. "That is when illegal drug problem worsens," he explained.
Another proof that illegal drug problem is not alarming in Eastern Visayas is the latest report of the PDEA Regional Office 8 which is headed by Intelligence Officer 4 Julius R. Navales.
Based on the report covering January 2008–February 2009, the PDEA seized only around 50 grams of shabu and about 230 grams of marijuana leaves.
On the other hand, PDEA Deputy Director General for Operations Rodolfo N. Caisip, who was also present in the same press conference, likewise said that the people here are lucky because they have less problem on illegal drugs.
Caisip urged them to maintain it by cooperating with the law enforcers and reporting immediately to the police any illegal drugs activity that they know.
Caisip pointed out that illegal drugs proliferate because the people, especially the barangay officials, tolerate it.
Another contributory factor for the minimal illegal drug problem here is active anti-illegal drug trade operation and the illegal drug abuse preventive education of PDEA.
According to PDEA 8 report, there were 132 individuals (115 males and 17 females) arrested. Out of these apprehensions, 194 cases were filed in court.
PDEA 8 also eradicated four marijuana plantations and neutralized two small illegal drug groups.
The top officials of PDEA, including Atty. Gil T. Pabiluna, OIC-Director of PDEA Internal Affairs Service, visited here to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, allowing PDEA to build its new office building on a lot owned by the provincial government.
The PDEA officials also signed a separate MOA with various private organizations which will help PDEA in its anti-illegal drugs education campaign. (PNA)
scs/GAV/rsm
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