THE chair of the House Committee on dangerous drugs yesterday urged the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to pinpoint who is behind the source of illegal drugs in Davao City and eradicate it.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers issued the statement in the wake of reports that Mayor Sebastian Duterte has fired the city’s Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) head, Angel Sumagaysay, over the results of random drug tests conducted last May 3 that showed 37 employees of the Davao City’s Civil Security Unit (CSU) under the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) positive for illegal drugs.
“As chairman of the House Committee on dangerous drugs, I call on the PNP and PDEA to deeply get involved and eradicate the source of the illegal drugs in Davao City. Spare no one and leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this mess,” Barbers said in a statement.
Sumagaysay reportedly requested the conduct of random drug tests last May 3 and 13.
“Even Davao City, where the number one enemy of illegal drugs resides, was not spared. This shows us that the problem is indeed serious and the solution is not a walk in the park.
We have to take a whole of the nation approach and everyone’s help is encouraged. This bold display of arrogance by these drug syndicates is indicative of their mistaken confidence that they can bribe their way in and out of our system,” Barbers said.
Barbers expressed support for Mayor Duterte in fighting the serious problem, saying he understands the problem very well since he was once a governor of the province.
“I know where the local authorities are standing right now and the pressure they are in. I will gladly share to them any information that may come my way as chairman of the committee on dangerous drugs. Fighting this together in a united front is the only way to succeed,” Barbers said.
Barbers also warned the drug syndicates that their days are numbered, saying: “If these syndicates think that they can bribe all of us, they are terribly mistaken. What you have shown so far in using drug money to buy our lands, our officials, our electoral system and our people only challenge us more to fight back and give you what you deserve, the only language you understand, death, as I call on the government to immediately revive the death penalty and send these syndicates to the gallows.”
PDEA REPORT
Nearly P800 million worth of illegal drugs were seized last month in the continuing war against illegal drugs, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) reported.
Seventy-four suspects were also arrested in 81 intelligence-driven anti-drug operations throughout the country during the same period.
“The collaborative efforts of our proficient team culminated in the seizure of illicit drugs valued at P795,734,200,” PDEG said in a statement.
The seized drugs included 5.64 kilos of shabu worth P38.35 million. Also seized and subsequently destroyed were 3,132,300 marijuana plants, 500 marijuana seedlings, 1,090,000 grams of marijuana leaves, and 3,000 grams of marijuana seeds worth over P700 million.
The 81 operations conducted last month included 31 buy-bust operations, three search warrant operations, 23 marijuana eradication operations and 24 manhunt operations.
These operations led to the arrest of 47 suspects in the buy-bust operations, 24 others in manhunt operations, and three more suspects during search warrant operations.
“The unwavering dedication and expertise of our group have led to outstanding achievements in combating the menace of illegal drugs within our communities,” PDEG said.
“The relentless dedication and professionalism exhibited by our group have significantly contributed to impeding the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” it added.
PDEG said its accomplishment last month “made a significant impact in safeguarding our communities.
“The successful operations conducted reflect the dedication and expertise of our team….in upholding law and order and we remain steadfast in our mission to create a drug-free environment for all citizens,” it added. — With Victor Reyes
