PRO-7: Anti-drug operations to continue during holidays

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan vowed to continue anti-drug operations during the holidays as he is expecting a rise in the demands for illegal drugs during the season.

Gaerlan appealed to the public to help the police in the campaign by reporting to them illegal drug operations in their community.

“We can do the supply reduction by conducting police operations, lasting operations, huhulihin namin ‘yung source, etcetera. But the demand reduction is from the community,” said Gaerlan.

Gaerlan said he sees that the ultimate solution to the drug problem is responsible parenting and being a responsible family member since this could greatly help reduce the demand for illegal drugs.

“Kasi ang reason ng kababayan natin, pag malungkot, pag may problema tumatakbo sila sa druga,” Gaerlan added.

He said policemen will continue the anti-drug campaign during Christmas and New Year.

“Yes, definitely, we have given the instructions na tuloy tuloy ang police operations,” said Gaerlan.

Gaerlan said he will be on duty during Christmas and New Year but not inside the office. According to him, he will be inspecting the streets to see to it that police officers are in their designated assignments.

Gaerlan said those who are caught not in their assignments during inspection will be asked to explain including the commanders.

Meanwhile, a female suspected drug pusher was indicted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Mary Ann Chee Ruta, resident of Juan Luna Avenue in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, was charged in court for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165.

Prosecutor Van Russel Inopiquez found probable cause against her and recommended no bail for her temporary liberty.

Ruta was arrested on December 12, 2015 at around 1:30 p.m. by the members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 during a buy-bust operation.

CIDG-7 operatives acted on a phone call from a concerned citizen reporting the alleged illegal drug activity of the accused in Barangay Hipodromo.

Police operatives seized 93.45 grams of shabu from Ruta during the buy-bust operation.  (FREEMAN)