Police, officials in Duljo dared: Go after head of drug lords

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has challenged the acting city police director and all officials living in Barangay Duljo-Fatima to go after the head of the drug lords operating in the barangay.

Rama issued the challenge to Cebu City Police Office acting director Marciano Batiancela Jr., Duljo-Fatima Barangay Captain Elmer Abella, National Police Commission-7 director Homer Cabaral and Congressman Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa after a buy-bust operation conducted by the joint operatives of the City Intelligence Branch, Mambaling Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 on March 27 resulting in the arrest of 16 people, including five minors Sitio Ponyang, Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

“Tinabangay na diha kay naay pamilya sa Congressman, naa sad diha si Napolcom director Homer Cabaral,” Rama said.

During his regular press conference yesterday, Rama said that illegal drugs are everywhere and it is a problem of the whole country.

“Akong giingnan si Batiancela, go after that person kay kun anhi ta’s mga gagmay nga mga bata unya naa may mga dagko, dapat anhi ta sugod sa mga dagko gyud,” Rama said.

Rama said that the Association of Barangay Councils should also take cognizance of the matter.

Earlier, ABC president and Tisa Barangay Captain Philip Zafra said that the council will tackle the suggestion of Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to conduct an education campaign in all 80 barangays of the city on the ill effects of illegal drugs.

Rama said that the problem should be addressed with the help of everyone in the community.

“I am telling Elmer Abella, don’t be afraid. The mayor will protect you whoever will be threatening you. Congressman of the south (Abellanosa), you have your family there. Be there. Attend to your constituency in that area,” he said.

Rama also reiterated his challenge to Batiancela to get the head of the drug lords in the barangay.

“I would reiterate my challenge to Batiancela, get the head of the drug lords in that area. Go after drug lords especially kanang ginganlan og Jaguar,” the mayor said.

Duljo-Fatima is one of the 16 barangays identified as highly infested by illegal drugs in the city, according to City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention. (FREEMAN)