Pasil wants bridge to Ermita destroyed

CEBU, Philippines — Officials of Barangay Pasil in Cebu City believe that demolishing the bridge connecting their barangay to Ermita could be a solution to the drug problem in their place.

The Barangay Council of Pasil approved the recommendation of its Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council to demolish the bridge as it was allegedly being used by minors to sell illegal drugs.

“Pero karon nga mismong mga bata ang gigamit para pag distribute sa illegal drugs, sakit pod sa among kaugalingon ana maong gi-approve sa konseho ang rekomendasyon sa BADAC,” Pasil Barangay Captain Julius Guioguio told reporters.

Guioguio said the BADAC received reports that children (aged 9-11) from Ermita are allegedly being used to transport shabu.He said the bridge in Sitio Magsaysay near the Lawis Riverside is being used as a trading passage of illegal drugs by the minors.

The BADAC passed the resolution recommending for the demolition of the bridge on November 22, 2017. While Pasil Barangay Council passed a resolution approving the recommendation on December 6.

Barangay Pasil’s resolution was referred to the Department of the Interior and Local Government, City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Police Station 6, and Barangay Ermita.

Ermita Barangay Captain Mark Miralhas yet to comment on the issue. Guioguio said he wants the matter to be addressed since it concerns his barangay.

“Kay mao gyud na ang tinuod nga nahitabo dinha diin base sa mga estorya sa mga mangagi dinha padong Ermita, mismo mga bata nga nine, 10, 11 maoy mosugat sa mga parok pero dili na sila taga Pasil. Mga taga Ermita mga distributor nga maoy gagunit sa mga bata,” he said.

Guioguio said the bridge was temporarily closed last year but the padlock was allegedly destroyed by the residents of Ermita. The demolition of the bridge will not greatly affect the area since there are already several access roads for the fish vendors going to Carbon Market now, he added.

CADAC chairman Garry Lao said he has yet to discuss the proposed demolition of the bridge with Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is still in the United States for a medical checkup. The mayor will be back next week. (FREEMAN)