EDITORIAL - Heightened campaign

The biggest personality caught so far in the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Cebu is the market administrator of Dumanjug town. Jose Amadora Sr. was arrested together with four others during a raid by personnel of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on his farmhouse on Wednesday.

On Friday, the PDEA filed anti-drug complaints against Amadora and his companions before the provincial prosecutor's office. Their arrest came after six months of surveillance by the authorities, who recovered from them at least 20 pieces of suspected shabu estimated to be worth P300,000.

The arrest of the suspects was certainly another success in the fight against the seemingly unabated drug problem in the province. It also shows, at least, that the authorities are now getting serious in their crusade.

While we congratulate the PDEA for yet another success, the battle is still far from being won. The drug business is still well alive in the province. Many prohibited drug dealers are still able to operate their trade under the noses of the authorities.

Many of them are even under the protection of those who are supposed to run after them. In fact, the media have been reporting stories about some policemen or anti-drug agents arrested for their involvement in prohibited drugs.  

But the battle will never be won unless there is an aggressive participation from the public. Yes, the help from ordinary residents in the barangyas remains very vital to the effort to eradicate the menace.

Success can only be achieved if all will unite in the fight against drugs. That is why every individual has the obligation to report any drug operation in his/her area if we are able to score a big blow against this enemy. 

Of course, the arrest of the municipal official and his companions is a very welcome development. For this only sends a strong signal that the campaign against illegal drugs in the province has become more heightened.