Tejero baragay officials deny “Tres Marias” involvement

CEBU, Philippines — Seven incumbent officials of Barangay Tejero along with Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) Chief Garry Lao sought an audience with Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) Director Debold Sinas to deny their link to illegal drug trade.

The group was led by Tejero Barangay Captain Hermogenes Galang.

 “We were alarmed and we immediately coordinated to thresh out things kung unsa ni ang maong balita,” Lao said.

Sinas, in a press conference last Monday, pointed out that they are looking into the identities of officials of Barangay Tejero who may have connived with the “Tres Marias” in the proliferation of drugs in the area.

The Tres Marias  were identified as Arlene Ruth Arbiol, Maeliza Dela Cruz, and Laurah Jean Sebumit and are considered as top local shabu distributors.

Senior Superintendent Royina Garma, director of Cebu City Police Office, echoed Sinas’ statements and said that the three suspects are considered “bigtime” since they have influence in the barangay.

“We think malakas sila because may mga affiliations sila and may kasamahan na may influence sa barangay. You can say na they have a wide influence,” she previously said.

Galang, in an interview after their closed-door meeting with Sinas, said he was surprised when reading the news. He immediately called for an emergency meeting with barangay officials to clarify the issue to police.

Galang admitted that the links looked into by police have connections with former officials.

“Oo, kay sa amo karon sa present wala man bag-o ko nga kapitan and konsehal ko sauna, karon ra nako nasugatan ang Tres Marias, familiar ko sa faces but wa ko kaila nila,” he said.

Galang also admitted that Tejero really has a problem on illegal drugs and he sees the need to further strengthen the coordination among police officers to cleanse the barangay from all forms of illegal drugs.

Sinas, for his part, said that the current officials are cooperative in the drug war.

“Ang problema sa drugs, bag-o pa mi naabot ni kap. Bag-o pa mi nag-assume, naa na gyud na. We discussed na magtinabangay na lang gyud para mahunong na gyud,” he said.

Lao and the Barangay Tejero officials submitted themselves to a surprise drug test to also prove that they are not into illegal drugs.

In Cebu City Hall, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella urged all barangay captains to be role models and set as good examples to their constituents.

He said this amid allegations that Tejero Barangay officials are reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

“That matter has to be looked into because this is a serious problem especially it involves public officials. This is a matter that should be looked into because public officials are supposed to be models, they are not supposed to be the law violators. Mao nang giingon nga to whom much is given, much is required,” Labella told reporters.

He added that barangay officials were elected by the people and if the barangay officials are the ones breaking the law, it can be considered as an aggravating circumstance because officials are expected to observe and uphold the law and not violate it.

“Barangay officials, you have your oath of office ug ato silang hangyuon nga they have to be true to their oath of office nga kinahanglan gitagaan man sila og mandato sa katawhan, they should set as an example,” he added.

City Councilor Joel Garganera, for his part, said the police should reveal the names of the officials reportedly protecting drug personalities.

“I believe they should name names so as not to unnecessarily drag the innocent and the entire council as well,” Garganera told reporters.

He is the chairman of the city’s Police Advisory Council.

Councilor Sisinio Andales refused to further issue comments as he does not know the identity and personalities of the “Tres Marias” who are reportedly drug syndicates. — MBG (FREEMAN)