Lacson: New PDEA hotlines step in right direction in anti-drug campaign
By Jelly F, Musico
MANILA, June 13 (PNA) -- The hotlines announced by the incoming head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are a good start by the incoming administration in its anti-drug efforts, Senator-elect Panfilo M. Lacson said on Monday.
Lacson said this should encourage active participation by the citizenry in fighting the drug menace, which he said needs an integrated approach.
“Definitely, this will give ordinary citizens a more active role in bringing down the supply of drugs by giving tips against dealers. But the hotlines should also lead to help for those addicted to drugs,†said Lacson, who served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief from 1999 to 2001.
When he served as PNP chief, Lacson implemented an integrated approach against the illegal drug trade by constricting its supply and reducing demand.
On Monday, Peter Lavina, campaign spokesman of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, announced that incoming PDEA chief Isidro Lapeña issued hotlines for the incoming administration’s anti-drug efforts.
These included: Text: 09998887332, 09255737332, 09279150616. Calls: 09393960627. Landlines: (02) 9200735, (02) 9200736.
But Lacson also pushed for other measures to fight the drug trade, including close monitoring of drug-related operations inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and other detention facilities where drug lords are being detained.
He noted such facilities should maximize the use of systems such as closed-circuit television, and may complement continuing inspections under “Oplan Galugad.â€
Earlier, Lacson lamented many drug lords continue to ply their trade and enjoy perks even while behind bars. (PNA)
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