Brgy capt defends tanods from cops

CEBU, Philippines - Duljo-Fatima Barangay Captain Elmer Abella defended his tanods who were criticized by the police for allegedly refusing to act as witnesses during an anti-illegal drugs operation in the barangay last week.

Abella said it was actually the police that failed to coordinate with his office before the operation. Had they done so, he could have assigned some of his tanods to assist and witness the search.

He explained that the tanods went home after their duty at the barangay hall. There were tanods in the shift that followed but two of them reportedly responded to an alarm and only one tanod was left at the barangay hall.

 Because of this, the tanod who was left at the barangay hall was hesitant to witness the search otherwise he would be abandoning his post.

 Abella said he and his tanods are willing to face investigation should one be opened, as it will be a formal forum for them to answer allegation that they are protectors of illegal drug traders.

Earlier reports had it that when the police started the search, the tanods have already left the place, one after another, and never came back to witness the raid.

 Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act provides that there should be witnesses from the barangay officials, media and representative from the Department of Justice, particularly during the inventory of the seized drugs.

 The police categorized Barangay Duljo-Fatima as among the drug-influenced barangays in Cebu City because of the presence of several drug personalities operating in the barangay.

 Abella said he reportedly has advised the so-called drug personalities to stop their activities but his request has reportedly been ignored. Asked if he could give names to the police, Abella said, “Nakaila na man na sila kinsa na.”  (FREEMAN)