Pagadian City Launches MASAMASID, First in Zamboanga Peninsula

The city government of Pagadian launched on Tuesday (November 15) the national program dubbed Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASAMASID) along with the city’s initiative  called “BARKADA KONTRA DROGA,” against the proliferation of illegal drugs and criminality held at Taclobo Stage,  this city.

Department of Interior and Local Government IX (DILG-9) Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil in his keynote speech congratulated the city officials for being the first local government unit in Zamboanga Peninsula to launch this program.

“We all know the ill-effects of illegal drugs and we have to be serious on this campaign. We have seen President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment and strong vision to make the Philippines a drug-free country,” Director Abutazil emphasized.

Abutazil said that because the President has the political will on this campaign against illegal drugs, it is incumbent upon the LGUs to support this move. “This campaign is not only for us, but this is also for the next generation,” he further said.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the local government officials cannot do this alone without the support of the community.

“We need the help and support of everybody,” he told the audience.

After the brief program, the pledge of commitment was signed by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, DILG-9 Director Paisal O. Abutazil, PNP PSSupt Sofronio Elcadre, 53rd Batallion, PA Commander LTC Virgilio Hamos, Jr., PDEA Agent Antonio Suano, City Police Chief PSupt. Michael Palermo, Liga ng mga Barangay President Hon. Jurofer P. Pulmones and members of the City Council led by Vice Mayor Ernesto Mondarte. (ALT/CAL/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)