Satellite precincts for seriously drug affected brgys mulled

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista has ordered Inspectors Frankie Jingle Lugo, police precinct 4 chief (Molo), and Dande Deocampo, city proper police precinct chief, to coordinate with their respective barangay officials for the establishment of a task group in their area.

Bautista said the creation of a satellite precinct or task group in a seriously drug-affected barangay is effective in solving the illegal drugs problems there. The same scheme is currently implemented in the Waterfront and in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao.

He said it (satellite precincts) is a welcome move on the part of the residents but alarming and threatening on the part of the barangay officials and residents receiving favors from suspected drug lords and drug pushers.

The barangays in Molo district considered as seriously drug-affected are North San Jose, Calumpang and Boulevard. Barangays Zamorra, Veterans Village, Sto. Rosario, Tanza-Esperanza and Malipayon, all in the city proper, are also in the police watch list. The Waterfront detachment already covers barangays Zamora, Veterans Village and Sto. Rosario.

A source at the ICPO said that illegal drug trade thrives at Tanza-Esperanza and Malipayon because of the absence of a satellite precinct.  Previously, the police always conducted raids in Tanza-Esperanza. They even used drug-sniffing dogs in their operation to make sure concealed illegal drugs could be traced.

Reports also have it that a suspected drug lord controlled the distribution and supply of shabu in Tanza-Esperanza and other barangays in the city. However, there is no confirmation or denial from police authorities relative to this report.

Bautista, however, did not specify the barangays where satellite precincts are to be set-up. He said they have to make a move to clear all doubts that some police officials  are indeed included in the payroll of the drug lords. Recently, there were speculations that an ICPO official is on the take with suspected drug lords.

He stressed they need the cooperation of the residents and the entire barangay council before a satellite precinct is established considering that a barangay resolution is once of the requisites.
The city director added that there is no problem as to the police personnel that would be deployed on the satellite precincts as PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Doroteo Reyes II already assured him of its availability.