THE chief of the newly formed City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office said Tuesday, March 7, police operatives will, as much as possible, avoid bloody anti-illegal drug operations here.
CDEU chief Ariel Philip Pontillas said operatives will strictly follow the standard operating procedure and rules of engagement in carrying the fight forward against illegal drugs.
“I would like to emphasize nga walay binuang nga mahitabo (that the operatives will strictly follow police procedures) and as much as possible no bloody operations,” Pontillas said.
But the CDEU chief clarified they will defend themselves if their lives in danger and if drug suspects fight back.
“Dili ta mangandoy nga naay dugo, naay mapasakitan ug ingnon nga naay nangawala nga butang (We do not want people getting killed or belongings getting lost) during the operation,” Pontillas added.
Pontillas is leading a unit composed of two teams with seven operatives each, most of whom are newly selected.
The CDEU chief said members of the teams underwent scrutiny and stringent background checking.
He said the newly recruit CDEU members will also undergo programs like spiritual retreats and seminars on the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
“Gi-check nato nga ang tanang members walay derogatory records ug drug involvements kay aron dili mapahiya ang PNP (Philippine National Police) sa second chance nga gihatag nga mag-conduct og drug operation (We scrutinized the record of each member so that the PNP will not be put in a bad light, especially after it was given a second chance to conduct anti-drug operations),” Pontillas said.
Since the anti-illegal drug operations were relaunched over the weekend, two drug suspects have been arrested in separate operations in Puerto and Canitoan villages.
The first drug suspect arrested was identified as Bernardo Macas, who was caught in the act possessing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu last Saturday at Puerto village, this city.
Macas was charged with illegal possession of illegal drugs on Monday.
The CDEU operatives arrested on Tuesday, March 7, another drug personality identified as Aldrin Japona in a drug bust in Calaanan, Canitoan, this city.
Authorities seized 10 sachets of suspected shabu valued at around P35,000 and other drug paraphernalia, and also recovered P10,000 cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal drug trade.
Pontillas said the drug activities of Japona thrived after the police suspended its anti-drug operations.
Japona admitted he had been engaging in the illegal drug business and the items seized were supplied by his brother.
Pontillas said Japona will be charged with selling and possession of illegal drugs.
