by:
Rhea Grace A. La Plana
Titay,
Zamboanga
Sibugay – It cannot be denied that illegal drugs is one of the root
causes of criminality.
When President Rodrigo Dutertetook over the
presidency, the Philippine National Policelaunched an intensive campaign
against illegal drugs called Project Double Barrel aimed to eliminate the drug
menace in the country.
The community became aware and the Barangay
Anti-Drugs Abuse Councils (BADACs)were revitalized through the intensive
conduct of OplanTokhang in Titay town. PNP personnel conducted its operation
and netted about 1,120 personalities involved in illegal drugs who voluntarily
surrendered, including 28 pushers and 97 minors.
“Criminals are starting to be reluctant in
conducting nefarious activities as observed in the decreasing crime incidents
in the area. President Duterte’s serious campaign against drugs has brought a
big impact in society. The roots of the poisonous trees are being cut in order
for its branches and leaves to grow no more” opined Police Chief Inspector
Mickel B. Argus,Titay chief of police.
The PNP is presently conducting
surveillance of targets, securing search warrant and conducting buy bust
operations. On the other hand, the police-community relations (PCR) focuses on
awareness and information dissemination regarding Project Double Barrel and
continues to seek support and cooperation from barangay captains and the
community.
Based on the drug watchlist, among those
who surrendered were five (5) of top drug personalities
in Titay while another two (2) were arrested through a buy-bust operation.
“Aside from our mandate to serve and
protect the citizenry, being the chief of police, I will give my all-out
support to the present administration by religiously monitoring the
implementation of the illegal drugs campaign. With my team, I will conduct
checking of all personalities allegedly involved in illegal drugs, including
PNP personnel,” added Argus.
“We will maximize our
effort as it is our duty to combat criminality and maintain peace and order in
our area. The hope of Titay, our province and the whole nation does not rest
upon the PNP’s shoulders only, but upon us all in coordination with the rest of
the agencies. We need to work hand in hand and double our efforts because the
president has already promised to double our salaries,” Argus concluded with wit
and humor.
