LGU, brgys asked to help solve drug woes

CEBU, Philippines - As much as alleviation of drug menace is among his goals, the new chief of Mandaue City police said he and his men could not do this on their own.

Senior Superintendent Jonathan Cabal wants to tap the local government unit and all barangays in the fight to keep the peace and irradiate illegal drugs in the city.

“We will solicit help from the mayor and the barangay captains to fight against crimes and other headaches in this city,” said Cabal in an interview with the media.

Cabal said with only 375 police personnel manning the city of 330,000 people, the job is way “too much” for them. Hence, a concerted effort from the LGU and the communities must be needed, he said.

While only “petty pushers” are present in Mandaue City, Cabal said their presence may result to increased cases of stealing and other crimes. Arresting these pushers, he added, will not immediately stop the cycle as there must be help from the community level.

“The police should be a partner with the community in resolving crimes and in maintaining peace and order,” he said.

He said they are watching barangays with high poverty cases as these can be possible hives of illegal drugs. Cabal did not give the names of these barangays for security reasons.

The police chief also said regular patrolling will help so the people are reminded that the police are watching them.

He said he will be among those policemen patrolling the streets and the interiors of the city to set as an example to his people that they may take his orders seriously and “not be complacent” on their jobs.

Cabal had earlier said drugs in the city are sourced not within the city but from neighboring areas. — (FREEMAN)