PDEA launches program promoting drug-free business areas, subdivisions in Pasig

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday launched an advocacy program in Pasig City to promote a drug-free workplace in business establishments as well as subdivisions in the area.

The launch, held at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, was attended by PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino and Pasig City Mayor Roberto Eusebio who both urged business establishments in the city to implement a "safe and drug-free environment."

"One of the priorities of the program is to reintroduce and compel business owners to conform with the requirements of Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 8 Series of 2003 which mandates all private establishments employing 10 or more workers to formulate and implement a drug-free workplace program, including mandatory drafting and adoption of company policies against illegal drug use,” Aquino said in a press release.

He pointed out that the program aims to educate owners of hotels, bars, restaurants, condominiums, subdivisions and warehouses to identify potential drug laboratories and drug dens as these are being used by drug syndicates in the manufacture and storage of illegal drugs.

Aquino called on lessors of warehouses, condominiums and houses to regularly inspect their properties so that these will not be utilized as drug laboratories or  warehouses.

“[The] PDEA has seen clandestine drug laboratories set up inside subdivisions and condominiums. Illegal drug transactions are actually happening inside hotel rooms, restaurants and bars because illegal drugs can be exchanged discreetly," Aquino said.

"Some drug personalities were even billeted inside residential condominiums and apartelle, and use the place as drug dens where illegal drugs can be bought and used," he added.

The said program was initially launched last February in Quezon City. —KG, GMA News