southern leyte Official Seal

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, (PIA) – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC)- Southern Leyte are finding ways to combat against proliferation of illegal drugs in the province.

According to PPOC Chairman Gov. Roger Mercado, “ The PPOC will give cash incentives for any positive information that would pinpoint to any person involved in the proliferation of the illegal drugs, either a drug pusher or user, that would lead to operations.” He said PPOC will provide funds for this problem on illegal drugs.

Provincial Accountant Crispin Arong, Jr, who is also a PPOC member, clarified that no less than the Commission on Audit (COA) allows such transactions in “buying” positive information in the said campaign. However, stringent measures have to be applied in the accounting procedures, particularly in the preparation of the documents by the COA. Arong said “ I nformation should first be screened if its positive, otherwise, this undertaking could be easily be abused, as well.

That payments shall be given after an operation has been conducted whether its successful or not.” PPOCC Chair Mercado noted that 90% of the cases filed against the inmates both in the provincial and city jails are those involved in illegal drugs. He further noted that most of the reasons for those involved in such illegal acts is poverty.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office (SLPPO) Police Chief Supt. Marne Marcos reported that since January until March 2015, there were 31 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted that led to the apprehension of 33 persons and 31 cases were filed, as well. Police Supt Marcos was grateful to the provincial government of Southern Leyte for its active involvement in the campaign against illegal drug problem. (jrc/esg/PIA8 So. Leyte)