Punchline
Barangay Binloc Gang
By Ermin Garcia Jr.
THE drug den raid conducted by combined elements of PNP and PDEA in Barangay Bonuan Binloc lived up to the expectation of the One-Time, Big-Time policy of the PNP national and local leaderships.
There were two things that came to light in that raid: First, the big haul of shabu and number of suspected drug pushers and distributors are a testament to the commitment and determination of our law enforcers to push the envelope in the campaign against the worsening illegal drug problem. We got good dedicated law enforcers.
Second, it is a major indictment of Barangay Chairman Pedro Q. Gonzales and his officials, confirming public suspicion that the drug syndicate has been enjoying official protection from the barangay council.
The most decent thing that Mr. Gonzales and his barangay “Binloc Gang” can do at the very least is to resign their posts today. The worst thing they can do to their constituents is to feign innocence –“Ha? Mayron drug den dito?” – and continue their suspected criminal activities. One can only wonder how many of their constituents are already hooked to shabu and marijuana.
* * * * *
DERELICTION OF DUTY. Barangay Binloc has long been confirmed by PDEA intelligence as a major drug hub, the receiving station and distribution center for shabu and marijuana from the south and via the Lingayen Gulf.
There may be no material evidence to prove that Mr. Gonzales and members of the barangay council, namely German Torio, Norma Narvasa, Wilmer Castañares, Joshua Gonzales, Domingo Ubando, Alipio Torio and Rodolfo Clauna Sr. provided official protection to the drug syndicates but there is definitely one thing that they can be charged of – dereliction of duty as elected officials of the barangay! Add the word “premeditated” if such a thing is possible.
As Dagupan police chief P/Superintendent Christopher Abrahano confirmed, the October 22 raid was a result of a four-month case build-up. In other words, without even counting the months and years that the drug dens were openly operating in the barangay, none of these unscrupulous barangay officials had the temerity to report the existence of the drug dens and syndicate in their midst over the past four months! If that is not called dereliction of duty, then somebody should amend our laws on governance.
The fact that they actually delayed their presence to join the launching of the raid, is a strong indication that some official, yet criminal interests in the barangay are being protected.
Let the filing of the cases acquit those who are not guilty by telling all what they know about the official protection given the syndicates.
* * * * *
A CASE FOR THE OMBUDSMAN, DILG. For allowing, therefore, if not tolerating the drug syndicate to victimize not only their barangay constituents but all Dagupeños, Mr. Gonzales and his “Binloc Gang” should be charged before the ombudsman without delay. The members of the Dagupan Peace and Order Council should lead the filing of the individual cases.
Then, Mr. Rhoderick Dawis, the DILG official in Dagupan City, should file the administrative cases against Mr. Gonzales and his 7 cohorts posthaste (for the sake of the barangay residents) to see to their immediate suspension from office.
This corner doffs its hat to Mr. Abrahano, OIC-Provincial Director Rolie Saltat PDEA Regional Director Adrian G. Alvariño and their operatives for a job well done. Let’s see you guys impress the country even more. Happy hunting! Ayos na ang kasunod! (With apologies to SMC Beer).
Given their success, I will not be surprised if moves to discredit them before their superiors are already in the works.
* * * * *
ACCOUNTABLE KAGAWADS. Unless and until lessons are learned from this October 22 raid, it’s almost certain that the illegal drug trade will continue to thrive not only in Bonuan Binloc but in Barangays Bonuan Gueset, Bonuan Boquig, Pantal and Lucao – all drug affected barangays in the city.
Mayor Belen Fernandez, a consistent crusader vs. illegal drugs, should already pound on the doors of Barangay kapitans Rico Mejia (Bonuan Gueset), Joseph Maramba (Bonuan Boquig), Julita Perez (Pantal) and Marcelino Fernandez (Lucao) to prompt them to start shaping up.
On notice, too, are their respective council members: (Bonuan Gueset) – Ferdinand Soy, David Raguindin Jr., Renato Castres, Rosejene Pal, Segundino Ayson, Eduardo De Vera, and Sonny Manuel;
(Bonuan Boquig) – Joseph Obra, Antonio Aquino, Imelda Gonzales, Alfonso Senin, Juanito Maramba, Roque Biay, Margarita Gonzales and Policarpio Macalanda;
(Pantal) – Maxie Emmanuelle Ferrer, Jose Anton Caneng, Romel Aqui, Angelica de Vera, Orlando Flores, Felipe Maramba, and Mario Rayos.
(Lucao) – Richard Razo, Arvin Decano, Roger Paragas, Arnold Quinto, Arnold Operaña, Allan Bautista, Jaime Cuison and Mary Joy Dalioan.
The officials of Barangay Camantiles in Urdaneta City, led by Kapitan Elmer Ganceña, the other drug hub in Pangasinan, are also on notice! The council’s accountable members are: Alexander Lebaste, Ringgo Agbuya, Santiago Fontanilla Jr., Ambrosio Cacayan, Bernardo Libaste, Erlinda delos Reyes and Minerva Paulmino.
In Dagupenõs’ and Urdanetans’ minds, they are all equally accountable as their kapitans in their city’s campaign vs. illegal drugs! Their constituents now dare ask them: “Are you a protector of the drug syndicates?”
Dereliction of duty is a serious offense in public service and governance.
* * * * *
THERE IS HOPE. Here’s something to warm the cockles of our Fire Player Gonz Duque’s heart – the “do-or-die” believer of a “President Duterte.” Below are excerpts from a recent interview of Mayor Rody Duterte days after he refused to file a certificate of candidacy for the presidency:
Duterte: I can only decide what will be good for me and what will be good for the party… At the end of the day, when the substitution is allowed, I will abide by what the party needs…I submit myself to whatever the party decides…I am willing to consider and to listen to them. I want what is best for the party and the Filipino people.
So to the despairing Duterte fans (that includes this corner) led by Gonz, these are new writings on the wall that indicates there is still a chance for real change in the country to happen.
As they always say- “Hope springs eternal!” But I dare say- “Let’s find the spring first!”
* * * * *
A YEOMAN’S JOB. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, its local counterparts in the cities and towns may have failed to achieve zero- casualty at the height of Typhoon Lando’s fury, but it cannot be denied that they did a yeoman’s job in minimizing what could have been a major disaster for thousands of families.
Guv Spines showed the way, and so did Mayor Belen and all the province’s mayors. There were new lessons to be learned so we can expect an even more responsive DRRMCs when the next calamity hits.
To the hardworking political leaders, you all deserve a good night’s rest! Salamat ed sikayo!
(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
