DILG lauds PRO-7 on fight vs. drugs

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government has commended the Police Regional Office 7 for its efforts in curbing illegal drugs, ranking third to the National Capitol Region Police Office and the Police Regional Office – 4A.

“We would like to commend our police operatives nationwide for their diligent efforts in helping the government put an end to the drug scourge…your accomplishment will give a big boost to the government’s revitalized campaign against illegal drugs,” DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus said.

DILG Secretary Puno himself warned police officers earlier that police officers found negligent in carrying out President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “stepped up” campaign against illegal drugs may face sanctions, including criminal charges and dismissals.

From January to March alone, PRO-7 headed by Chief Superintendent Federico Terte conducted 184 raids and buy-bust operations in Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental and Bohol, which resulted to the arrest of 282 drug suspects.

“Daghan gyud kaayo mi ug dinakpan. Makita man sa gidaghanon sa mga priso diha sa Cebu City jail nga kadaghanan drug-related case,” a police officer at the city police office said.

For its part, the NCR Police Office conducted 782 anti- illegal drugs operations that netted 878 drug suspects in the same period. The PRO-4A, meanwhile, conducted 303 anti- illegal drugs operations and arrested 402 suspected pushers and drug users.

Nationwide records of the first quarter showed that 1,841 cases have been filed against 2,415 drug pushers and users, and millions of pesos worth of shabu have been seized. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)