For inaction vs. illegal drugs: Cordova police chief sacked from post

CEBU, Philippines – The chief of police of Cordova was relieved from his post yesterday following the arrest of a big-time drug pusher in the town last weekend.

Provincial Police Office Director Jesus Gaquing said it was an insult to Insp. George Macapobre that another agency arrested a big-time drug pusher operating under his nose.

“Insulto kaayo ni sa usa ka police nga lain nga ahensya sa otoridad ang nakaronda sa bigtime drug dealer ug wa sab jud siya naka-report naman lang gani aning illegal nga kalihukan,’ Gaquing said.

Gaquing explained that if a chief of police believes his own men cannot handle a certain situation, he is always free to seek the help of higher officials.

“Naigo jud ni si Macapobre sa one strike policy. Drugs jud ang bug-at kaayo nga rason aning iyang pagka-relieve,” Gaquing added.

No less than Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy wrote to the Regional Police Office and requested for Sr. Insp. Felix Pacaldo, the chief of police of Sta. Fe, to be assigned in Cordova. Pacaldo will be replaced by Insp. Jaime Santillan.

With his relief, Macapobre will be reporting to the provincial headquarters starting today.

Around 5am last Saturday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Estaneslao Yap Jr. alias “Ontong” in sitio Matab-ang, barangay Day-as in Cordova.

Members of PDEA-7 headed by director Randy Pedroso served the search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras at Yap’s residence, which was witnessed by barangay captain Mariano Tahanlangit and his tanods.

PDEA-7 spokesman Jessie Tabanao said they confiscated 102 small packs of shabu, drug paraphernalia, P2,055 suspected drug money, and an ATM card from Yap.

Tabanao said they conducted several surveillance operations on Yap prior to the raid.

As a Level 2 pusher, Yap can allegedly sell up to 200 grams of shabu every week. He reportedly supplies the whole area of Cordova town, some barangays of Lapu-Lapu City and three barangays of Danao City.

The accused admitted that his supply of illegal drugs came from Mindanao and was delivered to him by a contact he refused to name. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)