Danao declares all-out war vs illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - With Danao City's recent declaration of an all-out war against drugs, officials are expecting that the perennial social problem in their place will finally be addressed.

Danao City Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III said the fight against drug abuse is one of the biggest challenges that their government is still trying to conquer.

The city is one of the cities in Cebu Province closely monitored by the police following reports that it is allegedly used as a center for distribution of illegal drugs to neighboring towns.

A number of arrests have been made by the police against suspected drug pushers and users in the city.

"Using prohibited drugs only affects the lives of people using it, but also the lives of others surrounding them. My greatest concern goes to our young children who in their young age have already been exposed to such activities," said Mayor Durano.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 director Espiridion Javier emphasized that everyone should also be more vigilant in the fight against drug abuse in local communities.

"Drug pushers should also be reported and not only drug users," Javier said.

Recently, Danao City officials, in partnership with PDEA-7 and PNP-7, launched the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

PDEA officials said BADAC's main goal is to address the increasing problem of drug abuse in each barangay and find solutions on how to eliminate it.

Barangay leaders and representatives of the city who attended the event were given information on how to effectively implement the goal and successfully hinder the growth of drug abuse in their communities.

Aside from Mayor Durano, others who attended and announced their full support to the campaign were Thomas Mark H. Durano, president of Liga ng mga Barangay - Danao City Chapter; Ramonette D. Mahinay of the Danao City Public Information Office; Adano T. Roble, secretary to the mayor; and SP Member Jose Thaddeus B. Roble. (FREEMAN)