NEWSFLASH

MARIKINA ANTI-DRUG DRIVE SUCCESS STORY

Marikina City, Feb. 6, 2000 Thirty two residents of Marikina City's drug risk areas, mostly drug peddlers and users, surrendered to government authorities and promised to help bring leaders of big-time drug syndicates operating in their neighborhood to the attention of the police.

The surrenderees revealed the names of big-time drug pushers in Singkamas and Mais to Marikina City police chief Superintendent Leo Kison.

"Instead of using threats and pressure for them to identify others who are involved in the illegal drug trade, through the dialogues, we have been able to use psychological and gentle persuasion. We are asking the communities to coordinate with their police in solving the drug menace, said Chief Inspector Leborio Jangao, head of the Police Community Relations (PCR) in Marikina City.

The police solicit the support of those who have voluntarily surrendered as a result of the crackdown on illegal drugs. They are convinced to help the local government in identifying the remaining users and pushers. In return, those who have surrendered are given due consideration and amnesty for past offenses.

Earlier, Kison reported that the transportation and delivery of shabu in the areas have been completely stopped by the round-the-clock patrolling conducted by combined police and civilian volunteers on Singkamas and Mais streets, which has been “quarantined” by checkpoints.