Local Chief Defends Tanods

● Local Chief said they are willing to face investigations relative to the allegation that they protected drug traffickers in Duljo-Fatima.

The barangay captain of Duljo-Fatima in Cebu City belied speculations that some of his tanods serve as protectors of illegal traffickers operating in their place.

Duljo-Fatima Barangay Captain Elmer Abella defended his tanods who were criticized by the police allegedly because they were ‘uncooperative’ and refused to act as witness during last week’s anti-drug operation in the barangay. Abella said the police failed to coordinate with his office before the operation that is why they cant stand as witnesses during the search.

The barangay captain explained that after their tour of duties at the barangay hall, the tanods went home. He added that although there were three incoming tanods, two of these had responded to an alarm, leaving only one to attend the barangay hall.

He further stressed that was the reason why the tanod who was left behind at the barangay hall was hesitant to witness the search. He said if the tanod would witness the raid, he would be abandoning his post at the barangay hall.

Abella said he and his tanods are very willing to face investigation relative to the allegations that they are protectors of drug traffickers.

It was earlier reported that when the authorities started to search the drug suspect’s house, the tanods allegedly had left the place, one after another, and never came back to witness the raid.

Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, provides that there should be witnesses from the barangay officials, media and representative from the Department of Justice (DOJ), particularly during the inventory of the seized drugs.

The police categorized Barangay Duljo-Fatima as among the drug-influenced barangays in Cebu City because of the presence of several drug personalities operating in the barangay.

Abella said he already advised the concerned drug peddlers in his barangay to stop their illegal activities, but they just ignored his request. When asked if he can give the police the names these drug personalities, the barangay captain quickly replied “Nakaila na man na sila kinsa na.”