Perhaps, in the other parts of the country, the drive against the illegal drug trade/activities might have gained a lot. However, it should be put in mind that the success of the anti-illegal drug campaign could not be measured on the amount of police operations. On the contrary, it is through the cooperation by the local government units (LGUs) that the success in the drive against illegal drugs could become tangible.
For instance, one could make a comparative assessment of the anti-illegal drug campaign in the province of Misamis Oriental and the city of Cagayan De Oro. While the two LGUs are seriously implementing the anti-illegal drug campaign, it is still easier to determine whether the campaign is effectively carried out by one or both LGUs.
One thing is certain, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental has been attentive in the fight against illegal drug in the province. Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano has been conducting surprise illegal drug tests among provincial workers.
Emano adopted the unscheduled drug test even before President Duterte ordered a nationwide crackdown against illegal drug activities in the country. In fact, about six provincial employees, some of them medical personnel, have been dismissed from service when found positive of using illegal drugs.
“I will not tolerate any provincial worker found engaged in illegal drug activities,” Emano would always remind employees as he voluntarily submits himself during surprise drug test.
Last month, the provincial capitol held another surprise drug test to provincial capitol employees after the start-of-the-week flag ceremony. After processing for a week, the result of the latest surprise drug test proved negative. Well, it shows that the illegal drug activities at the provincial capitol has been checked because of the provincial governor’s effort. Nevertheless, the surprise drug test should continue all throughout when necessary as a deterrent factor against those who think that they could get away with illegal drugs.
Comparatively, the anti-illegal drug drive in Cagayan De Oro City appeared to be lackluster. Even the conduct of a surprise drug test among City Hall employees has no bearing at all. A local legislature even tried to pass a resolution urging all city hall employees, including the city mayor and members of the city council, but to no avail. There was reported “surprise drug test” among members of the city council and the result also cleared the members of the city council of illegal drug use.
Anyway, the city officials should give importance in the campaign against illegal drug activities in the city government. There are, however, disturbing reports about a city hall employee being caught and charged with illegal drugs. Aside from city hall employees, some members of the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) were also caught during the illegal drug buy bust by the police.
There are also reports about top city officials who are allegedly engaged in illegal drug activities. The report, however, could not be verified. Until the city officials are caught and charged in court, all these allegations are nothing, but a second-rate hearsay. Notwithstanding, the city government should demonstrate an earnest desire to crush the allusion that its administration is akin to the spread of illegal drug activities under its roof. -0- Email reaction/comments: crisguardian@yahoo.com
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