WAR ON DRUGS ABC doesn’t back shame campaign

Instead of conducting a shame campaign against suspected drug personalities, Cebu City Association of Barangay Councils president Philip Zafra suggested taking a positive approach.

He prefers posting drug-free stickers on houses.

He said that a house-to-house investigation should be conducted to see which homes are not involved in the illegal drug trade.

As for houses that do not bear the stickers, Zafra said they will be placed under surveillance, narrowing the list of alleged peddlers in the community.

“For me, what has been practiced in Lapu-Lapu City is unconstitutional, although we understand where they’re coming from. But I think we should look for a way to fight drugs without violating the rights of others,” the Tisa village chief said.

It was early this week when the village chief of Barangay Pajo in Lapu-Lapu City started a shame campaign against drug personalities.

But for Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, Zafra’s suggestion is only effective for a short period of time.

“To make it sustainable, the barangay itself should hold rehabilitation programs and have massive intelligence gathering by involving the community. They should also invite all stakeholders like the church and academe,” he said. /