Pontillas relaunches anti-illegal drug campaign in Gingoog city

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

Newly promoted and installed Gingoog City Police Office police director Supt. Ariel Philip Pontillas has launched an anti-illegal drugs campaign called “Barkada Kontra Droga Program” in Gingoog City last Friday.

Pontillas said with the government’s desire to address the drug abuse problem, the Dangerous Drugs Board launched the Barkada Kontra Droga in 2004, they re-launched the program for massive educational anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“It is a preventive education and information program created to counter the dangers and disastrous effects of drug abuse. It aims to transform and develop the individual to be the catalyst within his peer group in promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle thru participating in various wholesome activities and engaging positive alternative endeavour in the company of his friends,” he said.

Gingoog City Police Station strongly supports the program and have adopted the program locally known as “Pinagtibay kampanya, barkada kontra droga, Ali na Sugpuon na.”

“Wala gyu’y pagkulang kung permamente atong educational campaign then arrest suspected persons involved in illegal drug distribution,” Pontillas said.

The program aims to establish and enhance the Barkada Kontra Droga Program by adapting said program and localizing the activities hence called “Pinagtibay na Kampanya.”

It also aims to train the young people in advocating a healthy, drug-free lifestyles and to encourage productive use of time and alternative activities.

With the support of the Local Government Unit, Department of Education, NGOS, religious sectors and this station shall spearhead it creation. In school it shall be one of the clubs that the students have to choose every school year. Outside the school, the target members shall be the out of school youth who are catalyst within their peer groups in advocating a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.