Soldiers Urged to Support Anti-Drug Campaign

Roxas City, Capiz – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said that the military must support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the all-out war against illegal drugs of the Duterte administration.

This was stressed by the military official during the “Talk to Troops” that was attended by about 500 soldiers and civilian employees of the 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Gen. Macario C. Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan town last week.

“The military can augment gathering information on suspected drug syndicates and they can also provide back-up during arrest,” said Gen. Bisaya as quoted in a 3ID news release.

Division commander Maj. Gen. Harold N. Cabreros welcomed Gen. Bisaya, in what seemed to be his exit visit, in a traditional trooping the line ceremony rendered for high ranking military officials and dignitaries.

The call to actively support the government’s anti-drug campaign went along with the revelation of M/Gen. Cabreros over a local radio interview that 15 enlisted personnel of the Division were discharged from the service after they were found positive on illegal drug use in a series of random drug test.

The 3ID commander also assured that efforts and initiatives are being pushed to make the Division illegal drugs – free.

The military camp will be among the sites for the proposed drug rehabilitation centers across the country for drug dependents.

Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated the plan during his Aug. 5 presidential visit to Camp Peralta.

The President said during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the government plans to use military camps as drug rehabilitation centers in view of the campaign against illegal drugs.

The 3ID camp is the third largest military camp in the country spanning over 33,310 hectares. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)