Anti-drug task force finally launched

CEBU, Philippines —  Two months after the Cebu provincial government’s declaration of an all-out war against illegal drugs and a month after it created a task force to support such a measure, the One Cebu Inter-Agency Interdiction Task Force (OC-IATF) was finally launched.

This, after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in participation with 13 law enforcement agencies and non-government concerned sectors, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Cebu Provincial Capitol yesterday.

In an interview with reporters, Garcia said the MOA serves as a first step to having the relevant agencies’ commitment to prevent entry and reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the province.

The agencies include the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, National Bureau of Investigation-7, Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine Coastguard-Coastguard District Central Visayas, Cebu Port Authority, Maritime Industry Authority-7, Bureau of Customs Collection District 7, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Area Office 7, Bureau of Immigration Cebu District Office, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu and Cebu City Chapters.

The agencies will be tasked to ensure tightened security in the borders within the entire Cebu island, particularly the ports and seaports, which are considered the basic entry point of contraband in Cebu.

“If we cannot totally eradicate it (drugs), at least we will make it very, very difficult for these drug suppliers to make Cebu their marketplace,” said Garcia.

But Garcia reiterated that the measure does not involve police operations, raids, bloodshed, and violence.

Garcia said they would deploy a command center at the Capitol and help PDEA acquire thermal incinerators for the quick destruction of the illegal drugs.

She warned the agencies, particularly their personnel, of imprisonment should they fail to comply with their duties.

Meanwhile, PDEA-7 director Levi Ortiz said he is confident that the endeavor will succeed and could be sustained with active leadership, a strong communication network, and a coherent plan.

PRO-7 Director, Police Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba, said he hopes the initiative will be a long-term advocacy. — Robhe Jane Yara with Romeo Marantal, GAN (FREEMAN)