Rama rejects PNP-AFP presence in Kamagayan

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama is not sold on the proposal of Councilor James Cuenco to deploy several police and military personnel in Barangay Kamagayan to solve the drug addiction and prostitution problem in that place.

Cuenco, a member of  Team Rama, is worried by the worsening drug problem and prostitution in Barangay Kamagayan and this prompted him to deliver a privilege speech during the City Council session last Wednesday where he proposed the deployment of a PNP-AFP detachment in the area.

But the mayor said instead of deploying police and military personnel in Barangay Kamagayan, the best way to solve the existing problem on drug addiction and prostitution in the thickly-populated barangay is to establish additional roads.

Rama said the city has already a plan to establish road networks in Kamagayan and he reminded officials of  the Department of Engineering and Public Works and the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor to realize the project not later than October 28 —Rama’s birthday.

The interior portion of Kamagayan is situated between Junquera-Sanciangko intersection and the D. Jakosalem-P. del Rosario intersection.

Rama explained that the plan is to build a new road that will traverse the mid-portion of Junquera Street across to the other side of D. Jakosalem Street, while another road will be also built from the mid-portion of  P. del Rosario to Sanciangko Street.

The mayor further said once the new road networks are finished, the reblocking of  the area will follow.

According to Rama, the officials of  Barangay Kamagayan have already agreed to support City Hall’s plan to establish a new road network in the barangay.

“Kun may access road na unya diha, unya ma-reblock na ang area masulbad na ang problema sa drug addiction ug prostitution diha sa Kamagayan,” Rama said.

The police have tagged Barangay Kamagayan as one of the seriously drug-affected barangays in the city.   (FREEMAN)