TWENTY-THREE-year-old Emil was one of the hundreds of people who waited for Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s arrival in Sta. Barbara in Agoo, La Union last Friday.

Emil, a resident of Bauang town, said he attended the rally to show his gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who implemented an anti-illegal drugs campaign when he was elected into office.

Emil admitted that he used to be a drug user.

“Nagsimula ako gumamit noong high school ako. Napasama sa barkada,” he said.

“Hindi na ako babalik. May pamilya at anak na ako. Sila ang inspirasyon ko ngayon,” Emil, now a tricycle driver, added.

He said that if it were not for President Duterte, he could still be into drugs.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay presidente dahil sya ang naging president at nawala ang mga addict sa Pilipinas. Maganda ang nagawa ni Presidente,” Emil added.

He said he also came to the rally “to see his idol” Sara.

“Pumunta ako dito para makita si Sara. Idol ko siya at idol ko ang tatay niya dahil nabago niya ang mga addict,” he said.

In her sorties and rallies, Sara had said that she was planning to continue the President’s anti-drug campaign if she wins in her vice presidential bid.

Sara visited La Union as part of her Mahalin Natin ang Pilipinas Ride (MNPR) route.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco