Spearheaded by Cebu City Police Office, Anti-drugs rally this afternoon

CEBU, Philippines - Thousands are expected to participate in the 1st year anniversary of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Movement Against Drugs (MAD) rally at the Fuente Osmeña Circle today.

Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, the director of Cebu City Police Office, said everything is prepared for their MAD rally which will have participants from various sectors.

Last year, Buenafe said, they were able to gather at least 20,000 participants in the rally and they hope to have more this year. The director said there will be participants from various government agencies, cause-oriented groups and students.

Participants will march towards Fuente Osmeña at 2 p.m.

Their assembly areas will be at the Ayala Business Park near the CCPO; the Provincial Capitol Building; at the V. Rama area and at the Osmeña Boulevard near the Police Regional Office- 7.

One lane of each of the following streets will be closed starting 2 p.m. until the parade ends: Gen. Maxilom Avenue, a portion of Osmeña Boulevard and B. Rodriguez St.

Participants will come from the religious and business sectors, as well as the military and the people from the barangays, among others.

The activity will continue throughout the night with entertainment from local bands. Several contests will also be sponsored by the CCPO.

The rally aims to show a unified support campaign against the use of illegal drugs.

The police hopes that the activity will also be a tool to educate the people and in effect, deter people from using illegal drugs.

The CCPO is encouraging everyone to join the activity. – (FREEMAN)