Now, it’s ‘Himagsik’ vs drugs

The outrage of a nation battling illegal drugs comes to the fore when President Arroyo launches tomorrow the project "Himagsik" which will highlight the government’s campaign against illegal drug syndicates.

Called "The Nation’s Outrage Against Drugs: Saving This Generation (Himagsik)" project, Mrs. Arroyo said the project launching will be held simultaneously where she will lead the opening ceremonies at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila tomorrow.

Mrs. Arroyo also enlisted the support of the community in the government’s intensified drive against kidnap-for-ransom syndicates and drug dealers where she announced yesterday the allocation of P370 million for rewards.

"That is why I am encouraging our barangay officials, to be vigilant and to support our campaign against kidnapping and other forms of criminality," she told a crowd attending the 74th birthday celebration of former Bulacan Rep. Ricardo Silverio in San Rafael, Bulacan.

"We will have kidnapping syndicates’ leaders known to the public, and then give rewards to those who can lead to their arrest and nuetralization," the President said.

Mrs. Arroyo said the government’s anti-drug campaign will kick off simultaneously at the City Park in Davao City, Fuente Osmeña in Cebu and Burnham Park in Baguio City.

The launching of Himagsik will be led by noted sports personalities like world IBF junior featherweight champion Manny Pagcquiao and billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes.

The launching of Himagsik comes in the heels of the recent seizures by the police of over P18 billion worth of illegal drugs and neutralization of shabu laboratories and factories.

Under "Himagsik," government agencies tasked in the campaign against illegal drugs will be joined by youth and student organizations, religious groups and civil society to generate public awareness on the evils of illegal drugs.

Law enforcement agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (PNP-AIDSOTF) under Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay and Himagsik project director Marita Jimenez will sign a manifesto with different sectors to come up with alternative projects for the youth in sports, arts, environment and other volunteer work.

"The project will also enhance the implementation of a more viable rehabilitation program for drug dependents," Interior and Local Governments Secretary Jose Lina said.

"Himagsik" will open with the testimonies of former drug dependents on the evils of illegal drugs.

Mrs. Arroyo said she will make a report on the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign to reiterate her administration’s firm commitment to stamp out drugs in the country. - James Mananghaya