MASA MASID: Lapu-Lapu City first to enact in region

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City has been chosen by the Department of Interior and Local Government as first local government unit in Central Visayas to implement its community-based program that intensifies the campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption at the barangay level.

Last Friday, the Lapu-Lapu City government together with DILG-7 launched the 'Mamamayan'g Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayan'g Ayaw sa Ilegal na  Droga' or MASA MASID last Friday with students, city police, barangay and city officials, and the  city's anti-illegal drug campaign group in attendance.

Mayor Paz Radaza, DILG-7 Director Rene Burdeos;  Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, Director of Police Regional Office 7, and Senior Superintendent Rommel,  Cabagnot , director of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office were present during the launch at Mactan Island Convention Center, Barangay Pajo in Lapu-Lapu City.

Johnjoan Mende, head of the city's DILG, said that reporting against crimes particularly in illegal drugs and conducting an awareness campaign are among the strategies that the city plans to implement under MASA MASID.

The program also promotes 'multi-sectoral partnership,' encouraging the barangays to be engaged in reporting crimes in their areas.

Police Chief Inspector Mark Gifter Sucalit, officer-in-charge of LCPO-City Intelligence Branch and City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, spoke before the crowd and mentioned that Barangay Caohagan in Caohagan Island is the only barangay that remains unaffected by illegal drugs.

According to him, 27 out of 30 barangays in the city were 'slightly affected' by drugs, while two barangays were moderately affected, though he did not disclose which.

The campaign against illegal drugs is an ongoing and continuous effort of the city and police.

Supporters of the program including the campaign volunteers present during the launch affixed their signature on a commitment board as proof that they will actively participate in MASA MASID.

LCPO has recorded at least 1,900 surrenderers in the period July 1 up to October 20 this year and all underwent the city's community-based rehabilitation program.

In a recent report, the city and LCPO has created the City of Lapu-Lapu Auxiliary Force or CLAF, a group composed of volunteers coming from the barangays, whose function is to coordinate with the police in terms of crime or anti-illegal drug operations, peace and order, as well as controlling the security in any city-related events. (FREEMAN)