Letter to the Editor — Out of 'delicadeza'

Kamatuoran, Inc (KI), a church-based organization that works towards a narco-politics free Philippines asks the question:

Why is it despite the efforts of the PNP and other agencies are doing drug menace continues?

One primary reason is narcopolitics or "the use of drug money to corrupt and usurp the political system, making it subservient to the illegal drugs trade" (Pastoral Statement, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal. Archbishop of Cebu June 2002).

KI expresses concern over the disturbing revelations from Gloria de Mar Regis, wife of Epifras "Tatay Pepe", on the alleged extortion of half a million pesos on the recent arrest of her son Manik for his release and of the state of affairs where six policemen of the Cebu City Police Office who stood as wedding sponsors of Manik last August of 2005. Police engaging in such situations with notorious drug pusher calls for outmost fear, a dread for narcopolitics (the use of drug money to usurp our political system to gain power) is prevailing.

This case needs a sincere investigation with no letup since these policemen allegedly asked for gasoline money and/or cellphone loads from known alleged drug peddlers. This is unethical. "Delicadeza" dictates that policemen must refrain from associating with questionable individuals.

Looking at the records available in the church where Manik Regis solemnized his marriage would help in the investigation process.

Stopping narcopolitics would be a triumph of the people especially the young who have the right to live peaceably and be nurtured spirituality and emotionally towards the common good. KI again lauds the men and women in the police force who are sincere in their work.

Rev. Fr. Domingo Saladaga, OAR
President
Kamatuoran Inc.