Deretsahan
Is the candidate a drug protector?
By Bebot Villar
AS the start of the election period draws near, we should begin to ask whether the re-electionists or the challengers are known to be drug lords or protectors of illegal drugs in our respective towns and cities.
Ang totoo kasi, there is an increasing trend in the number of public officials who are involved in dangerous drugs. Ayon nga sa 2014 Annual Report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), there is a “significant increase in the number of elected officials and public servants involved in the illegal drug trade”. Very recent was the arrest of a barangay treasurer in Zamboanga Peninsula due to violation of the drugs law, which prompted the barangay chairman of the offender to submit himself to a drug test.
In Dagupan City, a public high school principal in Villasis was arrested habang bumibili ng shabu sa Brgy. Pantal! Actually, hindi naman nag-iisa si Mr. Principal, marami siyang katulad na nagtatago naman sa katauhan ng ating mga barangay chairmen at kagawad!
I just can’t understand bakit patuloy ang pagtatanga-tangahan ng ilang mayors, vice mayors at mga barangay chairmen. Deretsahan lang tayo, marami sa kanila alam nila at kilala nila who are into the illegal drug trade in their barangays pero walang ginagawa. And we know it’s because they are generously given protection money. Sabi nga, money changes everything!
However, there is also no denying that we still have more barangay leaders who are conscientious at seryoso sila sa pagsugpo sa pagkalat ng illegal drugs, gaya ni Kapitan Arsenio L. Elegado, Sr. ng Brgy. Mabanogbog, Urdaneta City. Invoking his right to citizen’s arrest, Kap Elegado arrested suspected drug pushers in his barangay! Ganyan ang barangay captain!
Sana all our elected officials, from congressmen and mayors to barangay officials are also bold enough to eradicate illegal drugs in their communities. Sila ang nasa kapangyarihan to protect our families at tayo naman ay dapat tumulong na ma-protektahan sila laban sa lagim na dulot ng droga.
We have hotlines ng police stations kung saan pwedeng i-test or call any information that could lead to the arrest of drug offenders. Many have already been arrested in buy-bust operations galing sa mga sumbong sa hotlines, kaya magtiwala tayo at tumulong. The information we share is important. Magtulungan po tayo at ‘wag matakot isumbong kung may nalalaman kayo, tutal hindi naman hinihingi kung sino kayo.
* * * *
With seven (7) months before election day, we have enough time to know more about the background of candidates.
Mahirap pong magkamali sa mga panahon ngayon. There is drug money behind some candidates at sila ang magiging daan upang patuloy na lumaganap ang iligal na droga sa ating komunidad! Mag-isip pong mabuti lalo na at kung may pagpipilian naman. The future of our children and their children are seriously at stake!
Uulitin ko po, pag–isipan natin nang mabuti kung sino ang ibo-boto sa susunod na eleksyon. Alamin natin ang kung kasama o kalaban natin sila sa ating campaign contra illegal drugs. Yan at ang kanilang platform and achievements ang gawin itong sukatan sa pagboto. Huwag tayo papadala sa pambobola, at pagmudmod ng pera at groceries! Talo tayo diyan!
* * * *
Kudos to the four police chiefs of Pangasinan for receiving the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” from the Philippine National Police! Those who distinguished themselves are P/Supt. Christopher Abrahano of Dagupan City; P/Supt Jeff E. Fanged of Urdaneta City; P/S Insp. Arturo DC Melchor of Aguilar and P/C Insp. Dominic Poblete of Bugallon. These awardees were recognized for their conduct of “One Time Big Time Operations” against illegal drugs initiated by PNP Chief Police Director General Ricardo Marquez.
Sila na ngayon ang mga role models ng mga kapulisan not only in Pangasinan but in Region 1! Their significant accomplishments in the war vs. illegal drugs should serve to inspire other police officers. Marami tayong masisipag na police officers sa Pangasinan at sana pantayan, o kaya higitan pa ang tagumpay ng nasabing mga PNP awardees.
Congratulations and keep up the good work!
(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
