Villar seeks death penalty for drug dealers
SECRETARY Antonio Villar Jr., chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), has called for the harshest punishment against persons engaged in manufacturing and trading illegal drugs to address the problem in the country.
Speaking through DDB Executive Director Jorge Necesito during the opening of the five-day National Youth Congress on Drug Abuse Prevention Education (DAPE) at CSI Stadia in Dagupan last Tuesday, Villar sought the re-imposition of death penalty on illegal drug manufacturers and dealers.
Villar noted that since the abolition of death penalty for heinous crimes, international drug traffickers have become bolder and made the Philippines a dumping ground of illegal drugs.
He said that the country’s weak drug laws are being taken advantage of by these foreigners who had practically made the Philippines a transshipment point of illegal drugs all over Asia.
At the same time, Villar called on the youth to avoid persons who attempt to influence them into taking illegal drugs.
The congress, which ended on Saturday, was attended by some 200 youths from all over the country affiliated with the National Youth Coordinating Council (NYCC) headed by Francisco Aman Jr.
Sponsored by the DDB, Dagupan City government, Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration, Philippine National Police and the National Youth Commission, the congress had for its theme “Team Work Makes the Dream Work”.
In the five-day congress, the youth prepared an action plan on how they can contribute creating a drug-free Philippines.
Villar also lamented that while local officials are busy in their various development projects and activities, the fight against illegal drugs had been relegated to the backseat.
In Dagupan City, he said, the advocacy against illegal drugs is alive with the active participation of Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez as a partner of DDB.
Fernandez was instrumental in organizing the first “Barkada Kontra Droga” in Northern Luzon which is conducting community assemblies and drug education seminars.
Fernandez and her group have also asked the DDB to provide an initial P10 million to fund the construction of the drug rehabilitation center in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City.
The rehabilitation center, an initiative of Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia, has yet to be completed due to lack of funding.
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