by Lito Dar

Baguio City (21 November) -- Every third week of November is being celebrated nationwide as Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week. This year's observance slated from November 14-20, adopted the theme, "Kilos Pamayanan: Sa Droga Patuloy Na Lumaban".

The theme briefly enunciates the national leadership's call for the unity of various Filipino communities in the unrelenting fight to eliminate the menace posed by drug abuse to society and existence.

Locally, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-CAR), under the leadership of Police Chief Inspector Edgar Apalla, headed the inter-agency week-long observance. Activities undertaken included seminars/lectures in schools and security agencies; photo exhibits and film showings; ceremonial destruction of dangerous drugs; gift giving / outreach program; tree planting; setting up of an exclusive desk at the Melvin Jones Grandstand basement office for a weeklong public assistance on rehabilitation and treatment; anti-drug solo singing contest (with original lyrics) for high school students in La Trinidad, Benguet; and PDEA – CAR regional office open house.

The activities were participated by different schools, government line-agencies, security agencies, business establishments, local courts/prosecutors, Local government Units, church and the mass media.

In support to the government's continuous fight against illegal drugs, the PDEA-CAR reported an impressing accomplishment against illegal drugs.

From January 1 up to November 19, PDEA-CAR, in partnership with the Philippine National Police, LGUs and other law enforcement units have seized more than P700 Million worth of illegal or dangerous drugs (based on Dangerous Drugs Board value).

Of the 146 anti-illegal drug operations conducted this year,there were 95 persons arrested, including 10 in the watchlist, 6 from the wanted list and 25 persons from the target list. Of the 95 persons arrested, 80 cases were already filed in court.

Anti-illegal drugs operations in Cordillera also resulted into the neutralization of four local drug groups.

PDEA-CAR is calling on every citizen and all sectors of society to help in the campaign against illegal drugs. To be the force and be a responsible citizen by reporting any drug violation.