ANGELES CITY – “We can defeat illegal drugs in three months time if the people and authorities cooperate with each other.”
Thus said Balibago chair Rodelio “Tony” Mamac as he led the launching of the “Tanglaw ng mamamayan laban sa droga” at the Balibago Barangay Hall on Tuesday. He initiated voluntary drug testing for barangay officials to express support for the renewed anti-drug campaign of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Saying the drug problem in this city is “not yet too bad,” Mamac stressed that “we should fight the menace today before it’s too late.”
Mamac, a retired police official, urged the city government to help his anti-drug campaign in the premiere business and entertainment district of this city.
“We hope we can bring the fight to the city level as well,” he added.
Among the guests were city police director Sr. Supt. Pierre Bucsit, Deputy Regional Director Sr. Supt. Oscar Albayalde, Regional Director Renato Brion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and congressional chief of staff IC Calaguas, who represented First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin.
Mamac led the voluntary drug testing for Balibago village officials conducted by the team of Supt. Daisy Gabor, regional crime laboratory head. He was joined by city councilors Pogs Suller and Dan Lacson and three barangay captains – Val Lagman of Claro M. Recto, John Sladky of Agapito Del Rosario and Aymer Alvarado of Sto. Cristo.
Albayalde agreed with the statements of Mamac that the “drugs could be effectively neutralized in the barangay level.” He added that the regional police have been conducting mandatory drug testing of its personnel.
Babor, for her part, said “the effective way to conduct drug testing is by surprise.” She disclosed that traces of drugs in the urine could not be detected once the user stops taking illegal drugs for a few days.
Lagman urged Lacson and Suller to pass a resolution requiring members of the city council to submit themselves to drug testing.
“They have no right to be leaders if they are using drugs,” said Lagman.
Lazatin said he supports the anti-drug campaign of Mamac “in tune with the call of Arroyo.”
Asked by reporters if he will run for mayor come 2010, Mamac said “we have to work first.” He earlier joined the ruling Lakas party fanning speculations that he will seek the top local post in the city.
Thus said Balibago chair Rodelio “Tony” Mamac as he led the launching of the “Tanglaw ng mamamayan laban sa droga” at the Balibago Barangay Hall on Tuesday. He initiated voluntary drug testing for barangay officials to express support for the renewed anti-drug campaign of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Saying the drug problem in this city is “not yet too bad,” Mamac stressed that “we should fight the menace today before it’s too late.”
Mamac, a retired police official, urged the city government to help his anti-drug campaign in the premiere business and entertainment district of this city.
“We hope we can bring the fight to the city level as well,” he added.
Among the guests were city police director Sr. Supt. Pierre Bucsit, Deputy Regional Director Sr. Supt. Oscar Albayalde, Regional Director Renato Brion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and congressional chief of staff IC Calaguas, who represented First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin.
Mamac led the voluntary drug testing for Balibago village officials conducted by the team of Supt. Daisy Gabor, regional crime laboratory head. He was joined by city councilors Pogs Suller and Dan Lacson and three barangay captains – Val Lagman of Claro M. Recto, John Sladky of Agapito Del Rosario and Aymer Alvarado of Sto. Cristo.
Albayalde agreed with the statements of Mamac that the “drugs could be effectively neutralized in the barangay level.” He added that the regional police have been conducting mandatory drug testing of its personnel.
Babor, for her part, said “the effective way to conduct drug testing is by surprise.” She disclosed that traces of drugs in the urine could not be detected once the user stops taking illegal drugs for a few days.
Lagman urged Lacson and Suller to pass a resolution requiring members of the city council to submit themselves to drug testing.
“They have no right to be leaders if they are using drugs,” said Lagman.
Lazatin said he supports the anti-drug campaign of Mamac “in tune with the call of Arroyo.”
Asked by reporters if he will run for mayor come 2010, Mamac said “we have to work first.” He earlier joined the ruling Lakas party fanning speculations that he will seek the top local post in the city.
