POLICE in Talisay City found that some of the persons they arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drugs were minors.
This prompted the Talisay City Police Station (TCPS) to launch “Oplan Sidlak” (Studyanteng Isog Kontra Droga Lamdag ang Kaugmaon), an anti-drug program for youngsters.
The formal launching of the program on Friday morning, Jan. 17, 2020, at the Jaclupan National High School was participated in by 100 graduating students.
Gerard Ace Pelare, TCPO chief, said aside from the ill effects of illegal drugs, Oplan Sidlak will also tackle the consequences of illegal gambling and involvement in gang activities.
“We challenged each student to harness their full potentials by studying well and avoiding vices. We also warned them about the evil effects of illegal drugs. The students rose up to the challenge and committed to study hard. Some of them expressed their intention to become PNP (Philippine National Police) members,” Pelare said.
Oplan Sidlak is set to become a weekly activity wherein personnel of TCPO will visit public and private schools in Talisay City to discuss the program’s agenda.
The next symposium and interactive forum is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22, but the venue has yet to be announced as of this writing.
“Oplan Sidlak is a proactive campaign against illegal drugs and crimes targeting students. It encourages students to shine (or ‘sidlak’ in Cebuano) and develop their potentials. It also reminds them to prepare a better future for them and their families,” Pelare said.
Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., for his part, expressed his support for the program. He promised to attend the next forum as one of its speakers. (FMD / RTF )