EPD to bring anti-drugs drive to school campuses

Policemen will be doing the rounds of elementary schools in eastern Metro Manila this coming school year to teach children the hazards of illegal drugs.

Concerned by reports that drug addicts are now getting younger, the Eastern Police District (EPD) vowed to combat illegal drugs by embarking on a two-pronged approach program, demand reduction and supply reduction.

"There is a need to indoctrinate children against the evils of drugs," said Chief Superintendent George Aliño, EDP head. "Let’s act now before it’s too late."

Aliño directed the police chiefs of the cities of Pasig, Marikina and Mandaluyong and the municipality of San Juan to coordinate with school principals and officials to make room for policemen-instructors to educate children against drugs.

"We will not only need the help of school officials but barangay leaders as well for our anti-drug effort to succeed," said Aliño.

According to Aliño, holding seminars in campuses to educate children against the dangers of illegal drugs is one way to achieve "demand reduction."

He said some children encourage classmates to try drugs but the police information campaigns would discourage them from doing so. The police instructors would encourage students to say "no" to drugs, Aliño added.

On supply reduction, Aliño said his men would work overtime to update their order of battle against notorious drug syndicates operating in their area of responsibility.

"We are now in the process of identifying drug syndicate leaders before neutralizing them," he said. The police will also spearhead programs to promote drug rehabilitation for those who "want to improve their lives."

Since he assumed his post early this year, the primary objective of Aliño has been to fight drug addiction among children. But it was "sidetracked" by succeeding events such as the arrest of former president Joseph Estrada and People Power 3 at the EDSA Shrine.