Drug-affected brgys in Iloilo City named

By Erly C. Garcia

Fifteen out of 180 barangays in Iloilo City has been labeled by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) as drug-affected.

These are barangays Zamora-Melliza, Veterans Village, Sto. Rosario, Tanza-Esperanza and Malipayon in the City Proper; Rizal in Lapaz; Bito-on and Simon Ledesma in Jaro; North San Jose, Calumpang and Boulevard in Molo; Bakhaw in Mandurriao; and Yulo, Sta. Felomina, and Sto. Niño Sur in Arevalo.

Five of the said barangays, namely, Malipayon, Simon Ledesma, Boulevard, Sta. Filomena and Sto. Niño Sur are new in the list.

Senior Supt. Norlito Bautista, ICPO Director, said drug-affected barangays are those identified with the presence of drug users or pushers of illegal drugs.

He said the ICPO's operations on anti-illegal drugs are presently being focused in said areas in order to neutralize the suspected drug users and pushers.

Meanwhile, the ICPO is already on its way of establishing a “baby precinct” in Brgy. Bakhaw, Mandurriao following the approval of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas of said proposal.

Officials of Brgy. Bakhaw requested for the putting up of a police outpost in their area as a result of the reported rampant selling of illegal drugs.

Earlier, the ICPO formed Task Force Bakhaw purposely to monitor illegal drugs activities in the area.

Task Force Bakhaw will be lead by Chief Insp. Julio Gustilo, Jr. with Senior Insp. Kim Legada, precinct chief of Mandurriao PNP, as deputy.

Treñas gave Task Force Bakhaw ninety days within which to clear the said barangay of illegal drugs.