The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) called on its 16,000-strong members to initiate measures in fighting drug addiction to avert any further social decay in the community.

Councilor Victor “Jun’’ Ferrer of the First District of Quezon City said there is an urgent need for local officials to strengthen the campaign against illegal drug use as reports revealed that these are some of the causes of both petty and heinous crimes.

He said even normal individuals who are forced to take drugs due to peer pressure eventually suffer mental anguish and psychological distress leading to insanity.

“I know the campaign ‘Kontra Droga’ is old stuff. But I have to restate the matter as the issue remains unresolved. Prohibited drugs are still in the market and have become an even bigger problem to society,’’ he said.

Ferrer, who is also the PCL national president, said the campaign against illegal drugs should start in the family, stressing that constant communication among its members is a major deterrent to illegal drug use.

“Kadalasan ang sobrang abalang magulang ay hindi na nagkakaroon ng panahon para makausap ang kanilang mga anak. Pag nagkaganito naitutulak natin sila palayo at papunta sa mga ilang kaibigang may masasamang bisyo,’’ Ferrer said.

Ferrer said the campaign against illegal drugs should also be prioritized at the barangay level, adding that police authorities rely heavily on them for information concerning drug lords, small time drug peddlers and drug users.

He also recommended the random drug testing of barangay workers including its officials and tanods as some reports disclosed that some of the personnel have become illegal drug users and pushers.

“May mga ganong balita so dapat lamang na linisin na nating ang ating sariling mga bakuran dahil talamak na talaga ang problema nating sa droga,’’ Ferrer said.

As deterrent to drug addiction, Ferrer encouraged parents, barangay leaders and civic groups to continuously widen its illegal drug campaign information through seminars, sports events, civic welfare movements and similar undertakings involving the youth.

“Malaking bagay ang patuloy na information drive tungkol sa illegal na droga sa bawat kumunidad para maipamukha sa mamamayan ang ating responsibilidad para masugpo ito. Dapat din malaman ng kabataan ang kanilang maaring kahinatnan kung sakaling malululong sila sa masamang bisyong ito,’’ Ferrer said.