Pandacan cleared of drug users, pushers

MANILA, Philippines - Pandacan district in Manila, once notoriously known as haven of drug addicts and pushers, is slowly but effectively getting rid of the drug menace through the intensified drive of the police against illegal drugs.

When Superintendent Orlando Mirando took over the leadership of the Pandacan police station in Aug. 11, drug users and three drug peddlers were neutralized through the police renewed campaign against illegal drugs.

“My marching orders from Gen. (Roberto) Rongavilla is to rid the drug-prone barangays in Pandacan of the drug menace. We concentrated first on drug users since if there are no takers there will be no sellers,” Mirando told The STAR.

The Pandacan police has also seized several quantities of shabu and marijuana during 12 operations for the three-month period, mostly in the Kahilum area where several barangays are tagged as drug-influenced areas, Mirando said. 

Records showed that most street crimes are perpetrated in the Kahilum area by persons under the influence of illegal drugs. A total of 36 cases were filed in court against the arrested drug offenders.

Mirando said the eradication of illegal drugs in Pandacan is a big challenge to the police since the district has long been known as haven of drug addicts and drug pushers.

“We will not compromise with the drug syndicates. Mayor Alfredo Lim, a staunch anti-illegal drugs advocate, is giving his all-out support to Manila policemen to rid the city of the drug menace,” Mirando said.

A continuing education campaign, especially among students, on the evil of illegal drugs is also being undertaken by the police in cooperation with school officials, Mirando said.