ILOILO City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is inviting the officials and staff of Aksyon Radyo Iloilo to join the City Government’s efforts against illegal drugs.
No less than Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Communications, acknowledged that Mabilog has humbled himself to Aksyon Radyo during the Senate Inquiry on Thursday, December 10 held at the Iloilo provincial capitol building.
Mabilog, in inviting radio station manager John Paul Tia, said: "Let us talk and tell us your concern.”
Mabilog said he would like Aksyon Radyo to participate and join in the City Peace and Order Council meetings held every quarter so that its reporter will have firsthand knowledge on the City Government is doing to curtail or stop the proliferation of illegal drugs.
The Senate hearing seeks to ferret out the truth regarding the alleged attempt to attack the radyo station on the wee hours of November 19, 2015 by an armed group of about 20 persons headed by alleged drug lord Melvin Odicta.
Read the related story here: Police probe local radio station harassment
Poe said the hearing seeks to establish the connections of officials and the drug syndicate as what Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency regional head Paul Ledesma termed as narco politics.
The lady senator also raised a total of nine points to strengthen the battle against illegal drugs which include strengthening of the barangay anti-drug councils and for the police to file cases against the perpetrators of Aksyon Radyo raid.
Meanwhile, Mabilog said the City Government has already completed the reactivation of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council in all 180 villages.
He said the reactivation started in 2012 as an assistance program to the Philippine National Police and the PDEA efforts on curbing the spread of illegal drugs and substances.
Mabilog said an ongoing drug testing at the city health office is offered free to indigents who will submit to voluntary rehabilitation.
He will also coordinate with village officials regarding the illegal drugs.
Mabilog also said he will hold a conference at the Iloilo City Police Office to discuss the investigation of a reported white paper that is allegedly circulating in the city giving details on the operation of criminals.