City's anti-illegal drugs drive to focus on 9 brgys in PDEA list
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the joint report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police identifying nine barangays in the city with serious illegal drug problems will be used as basis for a more focused illegal drugs operation to contain the problem.
The nine barangays with serious illegal drugs situation are Veterans Village, Tanza Esperanza and Malipayon in City Proper; Bakhaw in Mandurriao and San Juan, Boulevard and West Habog-Habog in Molo. While, barangays Simon Ledesma and Desamparados in Jaro complete the list of the agency and police. T
Treñas said the city is strongly supporting all the efforts to curb the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the city. He said Iloilo City Anti-drug Abuse Council (ICADAC) is a proof of the city’s continuing support to the law enforcers. The council has been very active in its public awareness drive in the barangays and in different schools here.
The council considered awareness as the important weapon in the fight against illegal drugs. Students and residents of the barangays were briefed on the danger and effects the illegal drugs can cause. There are number of sad stories of drug dependents in our society and there are also stories of illegal drug peddlers who made fortune out of illegal drugs.
The joint report has not in any way affect the city’s image as one of the peaceful cities in the country. There are other areas in the country with same problem on illegal drugs and worst compared to Iloilo City.
The mayor was not bothered after the agency identified the barangays but even asked for the cooperation of the barangay officials in fighting the menace that affected different ages and social status.