12 more junkies in Marikina drug risk areas yield, vow to helpcampaign

Twelve more residents of Marikina City's drug risk areas surrendered and promised to help bring leaders of big-time drug syndicates operating in their neighborhood to the attention of the police.

This brought the member of surrenderees to 32, mostly drug peddlers and users, who agreed to turn into "assets" to gather information against big-time drug pushers since Singkamas and Mais streets, Sitio Tumana, Barangay Concepcion Uno were declared "drug risk" areas by the Marikina City government.

The surrenderees revealed the names of big-time drug pushers in Singkamas and Mais streets but Marikina City police chief Superintendent Leo Kison kept their identities under wraps so as not to jeopardize ongoing operations.

On Friday, Kison dispatched a police special action team in the quarantined areas to conduct "community immersion" and to dialogue with the residents in the hope of dismantling drug syndicates.

"Instead of using threats and pressure for them to identify others who are involved in the illegal drug trade, through the dialogues, we have been able to use psychological and gentle persuasion. We are asking the communities to coordinate with their police in solving the drug menace, said Chief Inspector Leborio Jangao, head of the Police Community Relations (PCR) in Marikina City.

The police solicit the support of those who have voluntarily surrendered as a result of the crackdown on illegal drugs. They are convinced to help the local government in identifying the remaining users and pushers.

In return, those who have surrendered are given due consideration and amnesty for past offenses.

Ten of the surrenderees were identified by Jangao as Araba Dunto, Saiba Amir, Cyper Gandanato, Fatima Makasasa, Tuminarnar Makasasa, Norberto Calanda, Nor-ain Noog, Jumaid Depo, Arnel Nelson Neri, Jupitar Abias, Maritess Templo, and Leonardo Lavila.

Aside from the surrenderees, four people were arrested for possession of illegal drugs at the police erected registration centers since Ordinance 245 was implemented on Singkamas and Mais streets last Jan. 24. They were charged in court.

Earlier, Kison noted that the drug pushers in the quarantine areas are setting their illegal stuff in nearby barangays at bargain prices.

He reported that the transportation and delivery of shabu in the areas have been completely stopped by the round-the-clock patrolling conducted by combined police and civilian volunteers on Singkamas and Mais streets.