BAD LABEL
'Illegal drug protector' tag for uncooperative brgy. dads

By Maricar M. Calubiran

'If you're not with us, you're against us.'

Barangay captains who will refuse to extend help to the Philippine National Police in its anti-drug campaign would be tagged as “protectors of illegal drugs.”

Iloilo City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista said they will reactivate the Barangay Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) in every barangay. This will make it easier for them to identify who among the barangay officials are keen on assisting the police in their campaign against illegal drugs.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, barangay officials are obliged to enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the barangay and maintain public order in their community.

Of the 180 barangays in the city, 15 are classified as barangays with serious problems on illegal drugs. Out of the 45 barangays in the city proper, five are listed as seriously affected barangays are Zamora, Veterans Village, and Sto. Rosario, Tanza Esperanza and Malipayon. City Proper has the most number of barangays with serious degree of drug affectation.

In Lapaz district, only Barangay Rizal is seriously affected with illegal drugs. Jaro district has two barangays, namely Bito-on and Simon Ledesma. Molo district has three barangays with serious problems on illegal drugs. They are Barangays North San Jose, Calumpang and Boulevard.

While, in Mandurriao district only Barangays Bakhaw is considered in the priority list of the police in their war against illegal drugs. Police said the supply of shabu in the city came all from Barangay Bakhaw. Series of drug operations had been made in the area but the problem still exist.

On the other hand, Arevalo district has three barangays considered as seriously affected with illegal drugs. They are Barangays Yulo, Sta. Filomena and Sto. Nino Sur.

Bautista said the problems on illegal drugs remains the growing the concern of the police. He said they are still gaining the war against illegal drugs. The number of seriously affected barangays is only 12 percent of the total barangays in the city.

He added that they will seek the cooperation of the barangay officials and the residents during their visitation. Each chief of police are required to hold a conference with the barangay officials and its residents. They have to cover at least two barangays every week.

The city director said the primary objective of the visitation is to increase the level of awareness of the residents in problems haunting their community. The participation of the citizenry is very important in the success of the PNP's campaign.