Espenido’s assignment in Bacolod welcomed

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Local officials have welcomed the assignment of controversial police officer Maj. Jovie Espenido in this city as they expressed belief it would strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs.

Bacolod City Rep. Greg Gasataya said he is hoping Espenido could help minimize the illegal drug problem in the city.

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on police matters, said Espenido’s assignment would boost the anti-drug campaign of the city police, which has the highest number of drug apprehensions in Western Visayas.

Espenido was assigned at the Western Visayas police effective Oct. 4, but the regional police has yet to issue an order transferring him to Bacolod.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo recently confirmed the assignment of Espenido in Bacolod City.

Espenido is known for his bloody anti-drug campaign. Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Espenido’s new assignment indicated that the anti-drug campaign would be further pushed in Bacolod City.

“We have nothing to fear if  we are not into the illegal drug trade business,” Lacson said.

Councilor Diando Ramos, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on laws, ordinances and good government, also welcomed Espenido to the city police.

Ramos said Espenido has been effective in enforcing the anti-drug campaign of thr government. He said Espenido’s presence would discourage drug traffickers from doing their trade.