Marikina revives drug garrisons

In response to the call of President Arroyo for an all-out war against illegal drugs, the local government of Marikina City has revived the controversial quarantine or garrison program in two areas tagged as havens for drug pushers and users.

Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando said the re-imposition of the quarantine operations at Mais and Singkamas streets in Tumana, Barangay Concepcion was approved during a meeting with city officials and top police officials of the Eastern Police District.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas Jr., city police chief, said they tapped the help of barangay officials and Bantay-Bayan volunteers to help them in the campaign.

The quarantine of the same area was enforced during the term of then mayor now Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, the incumbent mayor’s husband. Both claimed it has proven effective in curbing the illegal activities of drug pushers and users.

Senior Superintendent German Doria, EPD deputy chief for administration, said Mais and Singkamas streets were on the top of the list of havens of drug peddlers at EPD.

Under the quarantine set-up, checkpoints will be established in all entry and exit points of the two streets. Its full implementation started Friday and will be operational on a 24-hour basis.

Rojas explained that all persons visiting residents in said areas are required to log their names and show their identification cards.

Nobody will be allowed to loiter in the area, especially visitors.

The Islamic Community of Tumana led by Sohaila Boalan threw their full support behind the quarantine operations.

Boalan has even organized a group that will assist the local government and the police in their bid to rid the two areas of drug pushers.