Brgy. Pajo changes anti-drug war strategy

After the barangays were asked to stop labeling houses as drug-free or a drug den, Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City Barangay Captain Junard Chan decided to just visit houses and convince identified illegal drug users to surrender.

“We will visit the sitios and ask the drug personalities to surren- der to the authorities. As a proof that they truly stopped their illegal activities, we will give them the freedom to spray their houses stating that their home is drugfree,” said Chan.

Pajo became popular last month when Chan heeded a resident’s request to spray-paint his houses that were used as drug dens by the renters.

After their intensive anti-drug campaign became controversial, Chan thought of another strategy. He told residents to spray paint their houses with a reminder to people that it is not an area where they can use illegal drugs.

“I’d like to clarify that the people were the ones who spray-painted their houses that is why the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) did not call our attention. Our campaign against illegal drugs will continue,” said Chan.

Chan as well as officials of Barangay Ermita in Cebu City, CHR 7 and law enforcement agencies gathered last Wednesday to discuss efforts in addressing the drug problem in the community.

CHR 7 Director Arvin Odron had said that if the posting of stickers is initiated by the homeowners, it will fall under the “freedom of expression.” /