A TOTALLY unexpected exodus of Muslim families in Dagupan City back to their roots in Mindanao is happening amid intensified police operations against illegal drugs.

As of last week, a number of families have since moved out of Barangays Bonuan Binloc and Bonuan Gueset, both considered illegal drug hotspots by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dagupan police.

This was confirmed by P/Superintendent Neil Miro, newly-designated acting chief of police of Dagupan City, adding that the city government has extended its help to assist in their relocation back to Mindanao.

Miro, who assumed his post a week ago, said arrangements for transport have been discussed with the families concerned, led by their elder, Mauna Campapangan, 61, particularly by providing the city’s coasters including providing for their sea fares.

“The idea to leave the city came from them (Muslims) because they want to go back to Mindanao,” Miro said.

He also confirmed that City Mayor Belen Fernandez had directed City Social Welfare and Development Office to assist by providing financial assistance.

There were originally 25 Muslim families in the area which have been one of the targets of an intensified government crackdown on illegal drugs.

Twenty families have since relocated to other areas and only five are left who are set to be back to Mindanao soon, he said.

Miro said he had assured the families that they were not being discriminated against in the crackdown “but still they maintained they want to return to Mindanao and we assured them we want to help them.”

He added that one of the reasons the families cited was the strict implementation of the ordinance clearing the sidewalks in city streets, and this had made it difficult for them to continue their business activities.

Miro said, houses vacated by the families have not been demolished to give owners chance to sell their belongings.

Meanwhile, Miro said that since he assumed his post last week, 21 drug personalities have been arrested, 868 surrendered with five shooting incidents involving drug personalities that resulted in their killings perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects.

Dagupan City has been tagged by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as a major drop-off point for illegal drugs. (Tita Roces)

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