4 Ermita residents ‘flee’ amid labeling
‛DRUG-FREE’ SIGNS
At least four individuals who are reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade have left Barangay Ermita in Cebu City amid the posting of “drug-free” stickers in validated households.
Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta said this is one of the advantages of his efforts in clearing the barangay from illegal drugs and the people involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Upat gyud na sila kabuok nga nilayas na's barangay. Dako kaayo sila'g balay pero wala sila'y drug-free nga tarpaulin maong nauwaw ug nahadlok siguro,” he told The FREEMAN.
He, however, declined to provide further details about the matter.
Last Thursday, Rupinta and his barangay workers started posting “This is a drug-free home” on houses that were validated to be cleared from illegal drugs and illegal drug users or pushers.
The initiative was halted on Friday, however, after Rupinta read reports that the Commission on Human Rights was asking him to stop the posting.
Rupinta said separate resolutions were approved by barangay council and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council authorizing him to do the posting of the houses identified as “drugfree.”
With this, he asked CHR-7 to issue written communication if the commission wants the barangay to stop the posting.
“Mas maayong mosuwat nalang sila namo para makahatag pod ko og communication sa barangay council ug BADAC,” he said.
Rupinta said he is hoping to receive communication from CHR-7 on Monday so that he can relay the same to the barangay council and BADAC, and prepare for their next step in combatting the illegal drug trade.
While waiting for the communication from CHR, he said he will stop the posting of drug-free tarpaulins on houses.
Rupinta said 300 to 400 of the 2,017 houses in the barangay that are allegedly infested with illegal drugs.
He said he will also be calling for a meeting among the owners of these 300-400 houses and ask them to stop their involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“Ako silang pasabton nganong wala sila naapil aning among pagbutang og tarpaulin. Among hangyoon nga mohunong na gyud. Among pasurrender sa police para mausab na,” he said.
Rupinta said barangay workers continue to monitor those houses that are “drug-free” and ensure these homes will continue to be free from the presence of drug users, pushers, and other illegal activities.
He said he has removed four tarpaulins on houses after receiving reports that one family member was involved in the illegal activities.
“Daghan na og sige'g ingon nga tanang tawo sa Ermita apil sa drugas. Among gibuhat ni aron makahibaw mga tawo nga dili tinuod nga tanan tao diri mamaligya ug maggamitay og ilegal nga drugas,” he said.
Rupinta is hopeful that all stakeholders, especially the CHR, will support the measure, adding that his constituents are now more active in the fight against illegal drugs.