Las Piñas launches all-out war on drugs

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar has ordered city police chief Superintendent Josephus Angan to launch an all-out war campaign against illegal drug syndicates in the city to maintain a safe and peaceful environment.

Aguilar issued the directive following complaints of alleged proliferation of illegal drugs, which are often sold to youths.

She also directed the Drug Enforcement Unit and the city’s police precinct commanders to conduct a massive surveillance, buy-bust operations and regular saturation drives in their respective areas of responsibility.

"This report is quite alarming and we are taking this seriously. We want to prove to these drug syndicates that there is no room for them in Las Piñas and we will use the full force of the law to stop them," Aguilar said.

The local police has to act swiftly against the illegal drug trade to maintain peace and order in the city, she said.

The mayor also ordered barangay officials to coordinate with local authorities on the drug situation in their barangays.

She urged civic groups, non-government organizations and homeowners associations to provide information that may lead to the arrest of drug pushers in their community.

"The immediate solution of this drug problem will depend on cooperation, particularly from residents in the city. So, I urge everyone to cooperate with us in addressing this drug problem. This is part of our long-term campaign to make Las Piñas a most peaceful and totally drug-free city," Aguilar reiterated.

The city of Las Piñas is one of the most peaceful cities in Metro Manila and was a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award as the Best Performing LGU in the fight against illegal drugs in year 2001.