Talisay boosts anti-drug efforts; 14 nabbed in buy-busts

CEBU, Philippines — Fourteen suspected drug personalities were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in Talisay City yesterday in time for the launching of Oplan Kalinaw Talisay.

Talisay police conducted five operations in Sitios Salvador, Sambagan, San Rafael, and Sawsawan, all in Barangay Tangke, and Sitio Riverside 1 in Barangay Cansojong from 4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m, which resulted in the confiscation of illegal drugs worth P143,000.

Among those arrested were Walter Cabardo, Richard dela Cruz, and Roger Bacus.

The operations formed part of the Oplan Kalinaw Talisay, which aims to have a multi-agency approach in solving the city’s illegal drug trade.

At a press conference, Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said he wants to bring together the government, police and the community in addressing the roots of the illegal drugs woes.

“The objective of the said campaign is to engage the entire community in solving the problem on illegal drugs,” he said.

The creation of the Oplan Kalinaw Talisay was in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that the illegal drug trade is thriving in the city.

Duterte, in a speech during his visit in Cebu on January 19 for the Sinulog Festival, particularly lashed out at Talisay City— which he described as under a “state of unrest" due to the number of crimes in the area.

“Talisay is in a state of unrest. All kinds of crimes are there,” the president said.

Duterte in August 2018 also called out the Talisay police and personnel of Cebu’s regional Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for their supposed involvement in illegal drugs.

Gullas admitted that the city’s illegal drug problem remains a pressing issue especially in Barangays Tangke, San Roque and Tabunok.

Talisay police have placed Barangays Tangke and San Roque under tight watch.

Authorities are expecting drug peddlers to transfer to other barangays, such as Tabunok and Cansojong, as Barangays Tangke and San Roque are being closely monitored by cops.  KQD (FREEMAN)