CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuanos sent a strong message against drug abuse yesterday as an estimated 20,000 people gathered for the rally organized by the Movement Against Drugs at the Fuente Osmeña.
The event was organized by the Cebu City Police Office headed by Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who went to the extent of recording a song to emphasize his message in the battle against drug abuse.
The organizers said that the students comprised the biggest delegation where 11,000 were estimated to have joined.
Also participating in the activity were people from the religious and business sectors, as well as the military and the people from the barangays, among others.
The rally participants marched off from four starting points around Cebu City and coverged at Fuente Osmeña.
The march started at around 3 p.m. and the activities at Fuente Osmeña started around 4 p.m.
The rally ended around 7 p.m. after several guests including Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama delivered their messages of support.
Two bands also performed at Fuente Osmeña to entertain the participants.
Buenafe was thrilled with the success of the activity.
“Nahimong successful tungod kay daghan kaayo ang misuporta kay ang mga tawo kasagaran dili jud diay ganahan anang drugas. Tungod sa 20,000 na mga tawo miadto, klaro nga grabe ang suporta sa katawhan sa operation,” Buenafe said.
Buenafe said that the song he recorded, which has also been posted on the video sharing site Youtube, has already been watched by several people and many have commented that they like it.
The city police director said the MAD Task Force focuses on intensified operations against illegal drugs.
“It is a fight that needs innovation as drug trader changes strategies, modus operandi, and even makes use of sophisticated weapons. Furthermore, the advancement of communication and information has contributed to the organization of syndicates,” Buenafe said.
MAD also aims to tap the support of the community in general since it would take the cooperation of several sectors to address the problem of drug use.
MAD aims to boost the information drive against illegal drug use aside from strengthening the campaign in terms of arresting the violators and filing charges against them.
Aside from the officials, who showed their support to the campaign, a former drug user also shared his sad experience when he was hooked into illegal substances.
Chief Supt. Ager Ontog, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 was also on hand to show his support to the cause.
A group of children, who used to be ‘rugby boys,’ also took part in the activity. These boys are now under the care of Chief Insp. Michael Bastes, chief of the Fuente Police Station.
A poster making contest was also held and the organizers gave away CDs and other tokens to the participants to remind them of their commitment against illegal drugs.
Buenafe said that the music video, which he produced, can also be a good way to send the message for the battle against illegal drugs instead of giving speeches. — /NLQ
(FREEMAN)