Drugbusters embark on educational tour

Five mobile training teams of the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) are touring schools, community and workplaces in Metro Manila and the provinces to teach students, employees and out-of-school youths the evils of prohibited drugs.

AIDSOTF chief Director Marcelo Ele Jr. said the mobile teams are making great strides to educate and keep Filipinos away from illegal drugs as part of their demand reduction program.

"We are receiving positive feedback on the work done by our trainors and this is attested by the numerous invitations for their appearance in schools and workplaces in Metro Manila and the provinces," Ele said.

He said AIDSOTF trainors are scheduled to meet students of the Philippine College of Criminology in Manila this week. They will motor to Sta. Barbara town in Pangasinan next month on the invitation of retired police general Reynaldo Velasco.

The five AIDSOTF training teams are headed by Senior Superintendent Erasto Sanchez, Senior Inspector’s Lyra Valera and Aniceto Partoza.

Ele said the teams have visited at least 20 sites since he assumed command of the AIDSOTF last September.

"We are intensifying our demand reduction program and we are targeting the students, workers, professionals and out-of-school youths, whom we believe are the most vulnerable to drug addiction," he said.

Ele said the teams use film clips to show how illegal drugs destroy the family and their future.

Those in attendance are taught how to detect persons using illegal drugs as well as identify chemicals and precursors in the manufacture and different kinds of prohibited substance.

"Of course, the students, workers and out-of-school youths will also be taught how to report to police authorities suspicious personalities, especially those involved in drug peddling," Ele said.

AIDSOTF units in Metro Manila and the provinces are the one’s designating areas to be visited by their five training teams, said Ele, noting that those requesting their presence at his office are given top priority.

Since its inception in June 2003, AIDSOTF was able to neutralize 49 shabu laboratories and warehouses all over the country and has confiscated P3.8 billion worth of illegal drugs, equipment and raw materials.

Since he assumed his post, the raid on the shabu "tiangge" in Pasig City by the AIDSOTF Special Operation Unit (SOU) headed by Superintendent Jojo Acierto has been Ele’s first big accomplishment.

"While our trainors are busy in the demand reduction side of solving the drug problem, our SOUs are also hitting the source of illegal drugs," the AIDSOTF chief said.

Those interested in availing of the AIDSOTF training teams’ services can dial telephone numbers 7221918 and 7227976 or through PNP Txt 2920.

"Our training teams are available at short notice free of charge," Ele said. – Non Alquitran