Northern Samar governor supports Duterte’s war on drugs

CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Governor Jose Ong Jr. has declared his full support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s intensified all out-war against drugs, as he expected cooperation from everybody and all sectors in the anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Governor Ong renewed his full support on the war against illegal drugs during the 2nd Multi-Sectoral Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit held the other day at the University of Eastern Philippines gym in this capital town.

Ong told The Freeman he called for the second summit with the hope of getting the support of all sectors in Northern Samar.

“The fight against illegal drugs cannot be done overnight with me alone. There is an urgent need for a  multi-pronged approach and broadest multi-sectoral unity as drug problems have social and economic dimensions,” the governor said in his speech at the summit.

He also lauded the efforts of the different sectors to forge unity and plan that will spell the doom of drug menace in his province.

More than 450 leaders and representatives of various city society organizations and government officials admitted that the drug situation has reached alarming proportions.

“In spite of the extensively continuous drive against illegal drugs by the provincial government of Northern Samar, this problem of illegal drugs has been dramatically reduced, but requiring a whole community approach to stop it,” Ong added.

The summit participants later came out with a statement of declaration of their all-out support and commitment to stand up and do their share in the fight against illegal drugs proliferation in Northern Samar. (FREEMAN)