EDITORIAL - Bounty

If the media report about drug syndicates giving a P20,000 reward for every policeman killed in Cebu is true, then the province certainly has a very serious illegal drug problem that authorities need to immediately solve. 

After all, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, in one of his visits to Cebu this year, who claimed that Cebu tops the list of areas in the country seriously affected by drugs. He even accused Cebu policemen of being involved in the illegal activities.   

On Wednesday, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena said they are verifying information that drug personalities are off ering P20,000 for every policeman killed in the province.

The bounty report comes after an operative of the Talisay Police Station survived after being shot in the chest by suspected drug pushers while he was conducting surveillance in Barangay Tabunok last week.    

Abrugena said those involved in drugs may have been seriously affected by the police’s intensified campaign the reason they wanted to hit back. “Nakikita nila na lalong naging intensified ang ating mga anti-illegal drug operation and greatly affected na po sila,” he told reporters.

But there are those who find it hard to believe the report. For them, the Philippine drug situation is not as critical as that of Mexico where the drug cartel has the capability to wage war against the government.

Of course, we all know that drug traders in the country, particularly Cebu, are not as organized as those in South America. That is why it is highly doubtful whether local drug personalities are really capable of hitting back at the authorities.

Whether it is true or not, the bounty report should serve as reminder for authorities to continue taking precautionary measures. Some street pushers and dealers are always armed and could strike at pursuing policemen if given a chance.