Basak Pardo chief, tanods hailed for anti-drug drive

CEBU, Philippines - The Dangerous Drugs Board and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency yesterday awarded the captain and tanods of barangay Basak Pardo for their “exemplary work” in fighting illegal drugs.

Barangay Captain David Tumulak and 20 of his tanods received the Chairman’s Letter of Commendation from DDB Vice Chairman Clarence Paul Oaminal, PDEA regional director Randy Pedrosa, and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Lito Ruiz at the PDEA regional office yesterday.

The tanods given the recognition were Ferdinand Mejor, Demostrenes Cabarrubias, Hernes Sanchez, Jose Borres Rondesvalles, Sandra, Ajig, Juan Celestial, Danilo Cabaluna, Hery Navarro, Ponsiano Marusol, Arnel Gadingan, Arnel Zamora, Abraham Algar, William Nadonza, Rodolfo Valencia, Rolando Enriquez, Ernesto Gloria,Aurelio Rabasto, Jerome Mañigo, and Maximo de la Torre.

Oaminal said DDB recognizes the efforts and hardwork of the barangay officials who have shown determination in the campaign against illegal drugs. DDB hopes that the recognition would encourage other barangays to be serious in strengthening their campaign against illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Ruiz said DILG will give the barangay a separate recognition.

“Dapat gyud pakita-an og support ang mga tawong naninguha,” he said.

For his part, Tumulak said the residents in his barangay play an important role in their campaign since they have shown full support to the activities being undertaken there. He said the residents have been very cooperative during regular checkpoints and monthly orientations that the barangay conducts among its residents.

In a related development, Pedroso said new agents of PDEA have arrived last Monday to augment the agency’s force in Region 7.

“Expect a stronger fight against illegal drugs,” Pedroso said. — AJ de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)