Marikina police chief targeting drug pushers

Newly-designated Marikina City police chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. has vowed to prioritize the campaign on illegal drugs as he warned pushers to keep off the city or spend the rest of their lives in jail.

"There will be no compromise in our intensified campaign against illegal drugs," Ramos assured local officials and residents of Marikina City, including Vice Mayor Marion Andres, the chairman of the city’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Reports reaching Ramos showed that illegal drugs in Marikina are sourced mainly from transients in Sitio Tumana in Barangay Concepcion Uno.

The new police chief said he and members of his anti-drug unit would be mapping out their "program of action" in ridding Sitio Tumana of drug peddlers.

Ramos took over the reign of the Marikina City police during a simple turnover ceremony presided over by Chief Superintendent Juan Urani Jr., deputy chief for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office at police headquarters last Thursday.

Also in attendance were local officials, led by Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando, and ranking officials of the Eastern Police District (EPD), headed by Chief Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino.

Ramos replaced Senior Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, who was promoted as the new executive officer of the Directorate for Personnel, Research and Management (DPRM) at Camp Crame.

At 40, Ramos is the youngest chief of police in Metro Manila. He belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’90.

"I cannot promise you anything this early, except my utmost dedication and commitment to public service and safety," the new police chief told officials and guests.

He admitted the job, especially in the war against criminality, cannot be accomplished by the police alone.

"So I appeal to the LGUs, the non-government organizations and the community for their support in our bid to make Marikina City one of the most peaceful cities in Metro Manila," Ramos said.

He also asked Fernando to bring to his attention peace and order problems, saying he would not hesitate to take action "no matter who gets hurt."

After assuming his post, Ramos met with other officials of the local police and asked for their full support in accomplishing his programs of action, especially in the war on illegal drugs.

"I’m ready to reward those who are hardworking and efficient, but would not hesitate to impose punishment on erring personnel," he said. — Non Alquitran