Participants marched after an assembly Mass that started at 4 p.m. at the Santa Remedious Church.
Upon reaching the Tanapag basketball court, a prayer service was conducted.
Fr. Ambet Dela Cruz, the parish administrator, led the prayer rally with other devotees from the different parishes of Saipan and representatives of various government agencies.
The event’s theme was “Addiction to Drugs & Gambling, Dishonor to Self, Family & Society.”
“Dear users of illegal drugs, dear gambling operators and gamblers please help us create a village full of happy individuals, children and families,” Dela Cruz said in his message. “Stop illegal drug operations, stop gambling operations, stop all kinds of addiction.”
Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, joined the rally along with his family.
He said the event showed that the people are united in fighting against illegal drugs and gambling.
“We continue to support any undertaking that will achieve a drug-free environment,” Quitugua said.
Tanapag Parish Council president William Lieto, admitted that they are facing great challenges, but “we will continue to strongly campaign in school, church and in the community.”
He said the prayer rally was just the beginning of more activities against illegal drugs and gambling.
Patrol cars of the Department of Public Safety escorted the participants in the two-mile march, and they were joined by the Taga Riders, the Division of Youth Services, the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Probation Office, the Kristo Rai Parish Church, the Community Guidance Center and Tanapag Elementary School students.
Pastor Jose Enteria of Grace Christian Academy said the combined efforts of the community and church, with God’s guidance, will help end the proliferation of illegal drugs and gambling activities on island.
“This is a breakthrough,” Enteria said, referring to the joint effort of the Roman Catholic Church and other religious denominations.
Cris Sablan, the Community Guidance Center manager, said there’s always hope for the victims of illegal drugs and gambling.
Despite limited funding, Sablan said the government continues to address problems associated with illegal drugs and gambling.
During the march, social worker Rose Del Rosario of the Domestic Violence Task Force and coordinator John Aguon distributed reading materials regarding domestic violence.
Asked why they joined the march, Tanapag Elementary School students Dimitrios Camacho, Dylan Camacho and Angel Palacious said they want to help stop drug addiction.
The event was concluded with the release of balloons after the lighting of the candles and the awarding of the winners of the banner artwork contest.
