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