Police, local solon not alarmed by ‘nanlaban’ deaths

A high ranking police official and a city official are convinced that the spate of drug-related killings involving “nanlaban” suspects in Cagayan de Oro is not alarming.

Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said though anti-illegal drug operations scored deaths, many suspected drug personalities have been arrested alive on the other hand.

“Daghan ang atong accomplishments nga ang mga suspects buhi nga nadakpan,” Hortillosa said.

Around nine drug suspects, mostly are small players, were killed in the last two quarters of this year in what the police claimed to be either buybust or serving of search warrant.

Authorities also claimed these killed suspects were armed with a gun and were first to open fire which resulted to armed confrontation.

“Dili man gud ta kahibalo kung unsang klase sa mga tawo ang gakaencounter sa kapolisan ug depende pud sa reaction sa mga suspects during operations,” Hortillosa said.

“Sa atong assessment, dili alarming kay daghan man kaayo ang atong successful operations nga buhi man ang atong madakpan,”he added.

City councilor Ian Mark Nacaya is also convinced that the police have followed the proper procedure during operations. Nacaya said the policemen are only enforcing the law and were forced to shoot the suspects who showed violent resistance especially when their lives are in danger.

“If you look at the situation, circumstances will tell you nga nisukol ang mga suspects,” Nacaya said.

However, Nacaya said the city council would accommodate whoever wants to complain or question the legitimacy of antiillegal drug operations.

“Unless naay witness nga mo-stand opposite to the claims of the police but circumstantial interpretation will lead us to believe sa sitwasyon sa kapolisan,” Nacaya said.

“Kung naay mo-reklamo i-accommodate nato sa city council,”he added.