BY IME SORNITO & JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – Is the illegal drug situation in this province alarming? Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. believes so, noting that drug personalities persist and confiscations involve large volumes worth millions of pesos.
In contrast, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) views the situation differently. They attribute large drug recoveries to effective intelligence, robust operations, and collaboration among law enforcers.
“Alarming is subjective; the presence of drugs is always concerning. But how significant is it? It’s not as significant as one might think, given our recent large-volume captures… The drug problem is always alarming,” Defensor explained to the media.
IPPO Director Colonel Ronaldo Palomo disagrees, stating, “The state of illegal drugs in the entire province doesn’t alarm us. Our recoveries demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of our field agents, indicating our growing coordination and collaboration with authorities.”
No Drug Laboratory in Iloilo
Defensor recently met with Palomo to discuss enhancing port entry monitoring in the province, especially at the Dumangas port in the 4th District.
Palomo assured Defensor that no illegal drug laboratories exist in Iloilo; drugs come from outside the province, necessitating stronger port security.
“We’re ready to bolster our operatives at the port. As the drugs come from Negros, we need K9 sniffing dogs because X-rays aren’t sufficient for all vehicles,” Defensor said, noting the possibility of renting or buying additional sniffing dogs.
He emphasized, “We’ll prevent drug entry; there’s no laboratory here in Iloilo, so our focus is on interception.”
The provincial government also considers increasing manpower at the Dumangas port.
However, Defensor acknowledged that unlike the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard, provincial government employees lack training in port security.
Illegal Drug Activities: A Lucrative Venture
Palomo highlighted that many are drawn to illegal drug activities due to their seemingly lucrative nature, akin to a “double your money” scheme.
But he emphasized the risks involved, such as the potential for arrest and imprisonment. IPPO also confirmed that barangay officials are under surveillance for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities, with two barangay kagawads recently arrested.
Defensor reminded IPPO of his directive to prosecute those involved, regardless of their status.
“Our directive to IPPO is to remain vigilant and pursue those selling illegal drugs in our barangays,” he stated.
Recent arrests included suspects Michael Montinola, 41, of Barangay Ayong, Cabatuan, for possessing suspected shabu worth P68,000, and Randy Cornilla, 46, of Barangay Matag-ub, Janiuay, with 14 sachets of suspected shabu valued at around P340,000.
Despite these incidents, Palomo reassured Iloilo residents, promising more extensive operations to rid the province of illegal drugs.
“We assure the people of Iloilo of our commitment to intensifying our efforts against illegal drugs,” he said.
When asked about Palomo’s performance since his appointment as IPPO director in February, Defensor expressed satisfaction, citing numerous arrests.
SP Hearing on Illegal Drug Situation
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) plans to hold a committee hearing on the illegal drug situation in the province. Recognizing the need for collaborative intervention, the SP will invite stakeholders, including IPPO, PDEA, Liga ng mga Barangay Federation president, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo chapter, to discuss potential solutions.
“We’ll gather them to discuss effective strategies to address, and hopefully minimize, if not stop, the drug problem,” Provincial Board member June Mondejar, chairperson of the committee on public order and security, stated during the SP session on Nov. 21.
The committee hearing, expected to take place in November, will also address the involvement of barangay officials in drug activities. “It’s concerning when officials, who should lead the anti-drug campaign, are involved. We need to discuss effective measures,” Mondejar added, emphasizing the need to strengthen the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council./PN
