MANILA, Philippines - Intelligence operatives of the Manila Police District are closely monitoring the activities of certain policemen suspected as protectors of a syndicate engaged in the distribution of abortifacient drug cytotec which are discreetly sold by herbal vendors in the Quiapo and Sta.Cruz areas.
The move was in response to the directive of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay to unmask the members of the syndicate and neutralize them at all costs, according to intelligence chief Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr.
Cytotec, a drug used to treat ulcer, is reportedly being used to induce abortion. The regulated drug is being offered by herbal vendors around the Quiapo church for P500 for three capsules and is guaranteed to cause bleeding on pregnant women leading to abortion of the fetus. The National Bureau of Investigation and intelligence operatives of the MPD have already arrested some 10 vendors selling cytotec in recent operations, but the MPD-Station 3 which has jurisdiction over the Quiapo and Sta. Cruz areas have yet to make arrest. Sources said the failure of the Quiapo cops to arrest a single vendor only proves that they are protecting the illegal trade.
Monsignor Jose Ignacio Clemente, parish priest of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, had also called on authorities to help bust a syndicate behind the selling of cytotec. – Nestor Etolle