Village watchmen tapped in Pampanga anti-drug campaign

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – At least 10,000 village watchmen here are ready to fight illegal drugs.

Gov. Lilia Pineda said yesterday the watchmen attended anti-drug seminars conducted in 18 towns and two cities in the past months.

She urged the watchmen to make the province No.1 in anti-crime prevention by making it free from drugs.

Last Wednesday, hundreds of barangay watchmen from Sasmoan town participated in an anti-drug seminar held at the municipal hall.

Pineda challenged the watchmen and the local officials to be more vigilant against drug users and pushers and in preventing crimes in their jurisdiction.

She said they must have a better understanding of the community and its inhabitants.

Board member Rosve Henson of the province’s third district said the tanods must act as alter egos of the barangay captain. 

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono Jr., provincial police director, said the village watchmen as force multipliers should cooperate with the local police to make the province free of drugs and crimes.