6 barangays under police watch

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Six barangays in the city are under the police watch list after illegal drug trade operations shifted from Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao to different places.

In a report rendered by Task Force Bakhaw head Chief Inspector Julio Gustilo Jr. to Mayor Jerry Treñas, illegal drug trade operations shifted to Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Barangays San Vicente, Desamparados, Bito-on and M.H. del Pilar, all in Jaro and Barangay Sinikway in Lapaz.

According to the report, illegal drug trade is also prevalent in the district of Arevalo and other portions of the City Proper. The transfer of drug trade was attributed to the massive operations conducted by the Task Force Bakhaw.

The same report also contained the accomplishment of the task group. There were 188 suspects arrested for illegal drug trade in Barangay Bakhaw, Barangay San Vicente, and Desamparados, all in Jaro. Seventeen other people were apprehended for vagrancy and traffic violations.

Meanwhile, Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista, Iloilo City Police Office director is contemplating of clustering the houses in Bakhaw. This is for the easy identification of houses of suspected drug pushers.

The same scheme was also made when police put up a task force in the Waterfront area to address the illegal drug problems and other crimes in the area. He also called for the reactivation of the Barangay Abuse Drug Council in the 180 barangays in the city.

Bautista also sought the help of the city in the campaign against illegal drugs by addressing the economic problems in every barangay. Poverty prompted the suspects to get into the illegal drug trade, he said.

The city director said something should be done to solve address the economic problems of each barangay. The PNP will take care of the demand and supply reduction drive.