Pres Noynoy Aquino Fights Illegal Drugs

President Benigno S. Aquino III joined his fellow leaders in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in their fight against
illegal narcotics agreeing to get rid of the drug menace by 2015.

In his message during the Plenary Session of the 20th Asean Summit at
this Cambodian capital, the President expressed his support for the
Asean's, as well as the international community's, fight against
substance abuse.

"We strongly support regional and multilateral efforts against the
production, distribution, trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs
which threatens the health and well-being of our peoples," he said
during the session.

"The Philippines believes that enhanced regional cooperation and
information-sharing, drug profiling and the provision of more capacity
building programs in areas of law enforcement, as investigation of
drug-related cases is critical to achieving a drug-free Asean by
2015."

The President also said he hopes that his statement for a drug-free
Asean will further promote and create more cooperation between Asean
member countries for sharing best practices, strengthening
capabilities and increased coordination in identifying and
neutralizing international trafficking syndicates.

"All of these are crucial to achieve a drug-free Asean by 2015," the
Chief Executive said.

Also joining the President in his stance against illegal drugs are the
leaders of Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and
Thailand.

While supporting the fight against illegal drugs, Malaysia's leader
expressed reservations in completely eliminating the problem in three
years, noting the time is short for the regional organization to
achieve its goal.

For instance, he said that although his country imposes the harshest
punishment for drug dealers and producers, Malaysia hasn't totally
solved its drug problem.

Also during the Plenary Session, the Asean leaders adopted the
declaration for a drug-free Asean in the next three years. They also
supported several declarations and documents such as the Phnom Penh
declaration, the Phnom Penh agenda, and the concept on international
movement of moderates.