NCRPO chief orders anti-drug cops to comply with law

MANILA, Philippines - Police anti-drug units in Metro Manila should fully comply with the requirements set by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) to ensure the conviction of arrested drug suspects, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Alan Purisima said yesterday.

“We have no recourse but to strictly follow the law to ensure the conviction of so arrested drug peddlers in court,” he said. “We should not put to waste the hard work we endured to arrest these drug peddlers and for them to go scot-free on a mere technicality.”

Purisima issued the directive to the NCRPO’s five police districts following the recent acquittal of “Alabang Boys” Jorge Joseph and Richard Brodett by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Judge Juanita Guerrero based on a technicality.

Under RA 9165, the arrest of a drug peddler requires the presence of representatives from the Department of Justice, media and barangay officials and the absence of one of them would constitute a “technicality.”

Purisima said the law itself has some lapses but noted that it is up to the lawmakers to amend certain provisions.

“While we are waiting for the amendment of the law, we must continue our anti-drug campaign with vigor and in compliance of all its provisions to ensure that the arrested drug peddlers would rot in jail,” he said.