A move that would strengthen the campaign of the provincial leadership for a drug-free Zamboanga del Sur as Governor Aurora E. Cerilles early this year declared war against illegal drugs in protecting the children (and the community) from the bad effects of illegal drugs.

PADAC special meeting over a week ago opted to conduct a dialog particularly among the law enforcement officials, city and provincial prosecutors as well as the judges so as to attune the handling drug-related cases among them.

This action is an offshoot of the report of Assistant City Prosecutor Cleto Edralin who shed light on the illegal drug case against one suspect caught red-handedly peddling illegal drugs at barangay Muricay, this city in drug buy-bust operation last May 14.

Prosecutor Edralin informed the body that the suspect was granted bail by the judge but he petitioned for reconsideration as there was no hearing done to determine the bail.

PADAC vice chair PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena presided over the meeting, in lieu of Governor Cerilles as chair of both PADAC and Provincial Peace & Order Council (PPOC).

Ochotorena emphasized that while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the police assisted by the army focus on the apprehension and confiscation of drug users, sellers, traffickers and protectors, they still have to face in the legal battle against the suspects.

He lamented that sometimes in the course of their duties they become accused of their acts. The police official noted several drug cases they filed before the court but none of the suspects was convicted yet.

Lawyer Mary Ann Tugbang, a PADAC member representing the UP Alumni Foundation Inc. of Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur chapter, remarked that the recent Muricay case is a classic example of the interpretation of the law between the prosecution and the judge which has to be attuned for ultimate conviction of the suspects.

Tugbang strongly recommended for a dialogue as manifested concern for the law enforcement operatives.

She borrowed the statement of Board Member Ernesto Mondarte (head of Task Force Kontra Droga) which says: “The lives of PDEA agents and police operatives in pursuing against the drug traffickers are at stake. Catching violators of dangerous drugs should be given a strong consideration also by the pillars of the justice system.” However, the plan is yet to be approved by the Governor. Present during the meeting were presidents of non-government organizations in the province to include Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar for the religious sector. (Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 22-07-2009 17:05