CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu police and barangay officials in Barangay Pajo agreed to adopt a new approach in their campaign against illegal drugs.
Pajo Barangay Captain Junard "Ahong" Chan said during his meeting with the police officials in Station 3, they discussed the problem affecting the campaign. Pajo belongs to the jurisdiction of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Station 3.
Chan said while the police made several arrests, some of them return to their illegal activities after posting bail.
He said others continue their illegal operations by transferring to the different barangays.
According to Chan, aside from the police in Lapu-Lapu City, he is also coordinating with the different police units like the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas.
PDEA officials have showed him names of suspected drug pushers operating in his barangay or those who use the barangay as center of their illegal operations.
Chan said some of them were summoned by him at the barangay hall and told them to stop their illegal activities.
He said all of them denied that they were involved in illegal drugs and that the reports were baseless.
Chan said that his purpose for them to convince to stop their illegal activities is for them not to be arrested and jailed.
He admitted that there is an incident where a resident in Pajo was arrested for illegal drugs and asked his assistance because he supported him last barangay elections.
"Kadaghanan kanila magpatabang nato kay lagi atong supporter, pero ato silang gipahibawo basta illegal drugs dili gyud ta motabang," Chan said. — Jose P. Sollano (FREEMAN)