* Mayor Baste to pursue war against drug syndicates
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Seven drug suspects were killed here in separate drug-related operations four days after Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared a war against illegal drugs.
The police identified the fatalities as Sherwin Familiar, Larry, Timoy, Emmanuel “Imee” Avila, Jehurry Dresser, and Elisado Paquibato. All suspects were reported to have fought back against police officers.
Seven police officers however were relieved from their post for their involvement in the deaths of the suspected drug suspects.
Police Regional Office-11 director Brigadier General Alden Delvo said that the seven police officers were disarmed and will undergo paraffin test.
Delvo hinted that more officers might be removed soon. He said they will investigate all the policemen involved in the operations.
The administrative suspension of the police officers occurred following an order from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. to investigate the alleged armed confrontations that resulted in the deaths of the drug suspects within a week of the city mayor’s declaration.
The police officers are required to provide justification for resorting to firearm use when dealing with the drug suspects.
Mayor Duterte vowed to eradicate individuals who continue in using and selling illegal drugs if they opt to remain in the city.
He said he had gathered enough information on the proliferation of illegal drugs in densely populated areas.
“I hereby declare a campaign that the city is at war against drugs,” Duterte said on March 23, as he welcomed P/Colonel Richard Bad-ang, Davao City Police Office’s (DCPO) new director.
Duterte said he has been going around and coordinating with the barangay officials to assess the situations.
The city mayor cited several concerns in the areas of responsibility of the barangay officials, including illegal drugs – among the problems the city must address.
Duterte, however, did not reveal which area illegal drugs proliferate.
“Some people have returned to using illegal drugs. It is not because we have not done our jobs, but we cannot simply close the borders,” he said.
Duterte said drug pushers still find their way to the market even if the illegal drugs are expensive, according to the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Bad-ang, who worked during the terms of past city mayors Rodrigo Duterte and her daughter Sara Duterte, vowed to continue “Duterte’s legacy” and address the drugs and criminality.
The police director said that he would ensure the city cops uphold all the procedures and implement them.
He added that they would reinforce security by mounting additional barangay checkpoints and intensifying intelligence units.
Bad-ang also ensured a non-violent campaign against illegal drugs.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had previously voiced serious apprehension regarding Duterte’s statement, which closely resembled the approach taken by his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.