Drug personalities in Negros Oriental being readied

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PNA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are now preparing a list of suspected drug personalities in Negros Oriental, according to acting Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Harris Fama.

Fama disclosed earlier this week that the PNP-Negros Oriental and the PDEA in the Negros Island Region (Region 18) had recently completed a workshop/ training in Negros Occidental which primarily focused in preparing the list.

He disclosed that they already have a roster of suspected drug personalities in Negros Oriental even prior to the pronouncement of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte that he wants a list from the provinces of those engaged in the illegal drugs trade.

According to Fama, they just enhanced the existing list in Negros Oriental, asking barangay officials for additional information and categorizing the suspects into “user,” “pusher,” or both.

There are no drug lords in Negros Oriental, but there could be protectors of those involved in the illegal drugs trade, Fama said.

The supposed protectors “could be in our ranks, or in other groups,” but they have already been reported to higher authorities, Fama added.

“We are watchful but we cannot name them or else we could also be charged in court”, Fama stressed.

Sr. Supt. Fama issued a warning to these people that they should start thinking twice now that there is a move by the incoming president to run after those engaged in the illegal drugs trade.

The identification of suspected drug personalities will also go through a stringent process with the police following due process, said Fama.

He assured that they have a system in place, in coordination with the barangays, in identifying these personalities but he would also not allow the system to be “abused” by those wanting to get even with a particular person.

“There are procedures to follow, there is surveillance and test buys are also conducted as well as verification of identities before the police can even make an arrest,” Fama pointed out. “We will not allow the system to be abused as it may cost the lives of innocent persons”, he reassured.

Sr. Supt. Fama could not give an estimate to the number of suspected drug personalities in Negros Oriental but he said that he is aware that each barangay is required to have a list.