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Arroyo Promises to Rid Philippines of Drugs
MANILA, Sept 10 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday said she would not allow the Philippines to become a narco-state, alluding to the constant interest of drug warlords in local politics.
"I will not allow the Philippines to turn into a narco-state where drug lords rule the country, striking fear into the hearts of our people and eroding the moral fiber of our nation," she said at the Consultative Conference on Peace and Order.
She also took a swipe at Senator Panfilo Lacson who is currently undergoing a Senate investigation into his alleged role as the head of a drug syndicate that flourished during his term as chief of the presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOC).
Lacson, a close associate of former president Joseph Estrada, is perceived as being Arroyo's strongest opponent in the 2004 presidential election. He is also a strong opponent to peace treaties with Islamic independence movements in Mindanao.
Concerning the drug lord issue, Arroyo said she is concerned with illegal drugs "because if the Filipinos do not act fast enough, many of our children would soon become addicts."
She also warned that if Filipinos were not careful, "The [Philippines] could become another Colombia."
"We have the example of Colombia in Latin America, where narco-politics became so deeply embedded that drug traffickers succeeded in putting their people in positions of political power and influence," she said.
"[I am] praying to the good Lord that the Philippines will not become another narco-state…and this bleak scenario can be solved only by drastic solutions."
"While I am President, I promise you I will lead the fight against drug syndicates, kidnapping groups and other vicious criminals in the country," she said.
"There will be no compromise or hesitation in this battle. This is a fight to the finish," she added.
At the same time, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. backed a call made by Colonel Victor Corpus, military intelligence chief, for a revamp of anti-narcotics units and other law-enforcement offices.
He said personnel within these offices are suspected of protecting drug traffickers.
Pimentel allayed fears that the Philippines was turning into a narco-state, because "both the government and the citizens remain vigilant against the drug menace."
As a rule, he said, there must be solid evidence to warrant the removal and criminal prosecution of law-enforcement officers who are in league with drug lords.
But if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that certain policemen, customs people and prosecutors are conniving with drug syndicates, Pimentel said their superiors could use the discretion to relieve them as a preventive measure.
With additional reporting by Kazi Mahmood
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