The Dumaguete community is alarmed by the spate of street killings following the continued proliferation and incidence of illegal drug trafficking. One judge of the regional trial court said that this is no longer close to being tolerable, our city law enforcers must now show that they are not helpless about the situation, because criminals no longer fear the police as they shoot people even during day time and with more impunity. Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria’s election issues hangs on the line as his administration might be branded as one that had no control over the city’s peace condition. It has jeopardized the city’s reputation as among the best retirement places in the globe. The city mayor reacted and went out of his way to assess the situation. He was informed by Chief of Police Col Jovy Atanacio that for this year, compared to the same period last year, the total street killings and shootings is only 30 as compared to last year’s 38. But this is still November. No mention how many of the 30 were killed. But in Daro, in two weeks, six shooting incidents, three dead, among 8 victims , Police records show. Mostly drug-related. Sagarbarria did not discount the possibility of seeking the help of the Army to step in, if only to protect this capital city from escalating lawlessness, street killings and increased drug trafficking. The same judge observed that the killings have increased their impunity, shooting people in broad daylight, no more bonnets, and even in highly populated suburbian subdivisions. The good judge said that this indicates that criminals are bolder now because they seem to observe that the police cannot catch. City alarmed by up street killings - NegrosChronicle.com
Seems like the mayor don't like to offend any voters that might cost him the victory in coming election to become again the mayor of the city of gentle bullets.
I am not prepared to opine that methamphetamines should be legal and regulated. But one congressman at least has prepared a bill regarding marijuana to follow the lead of some U.S. states. The people of Dumaguete do like their pleasures. I friend of mine ran for barangay captain (I will not say exactly where) and attributes his defeat to his anti-drug platform.
I "researched" and found 2 prison sentences of 20 years meted out in Duma for aprox 2 joints apiece. Where is the sense in doing that other than to get the dual product dealers off the street? Even some of the best otherwise incorruptible cops in NYC used to keep a vial of crack in their lockers occasionally during the "drug wars" in the 1990's to incriminate the worst criminals who seem to never have to serve time and get them off the streets. Ultimately the draconian "Rockefeller" drug laws became the problem themselves helping to cause an explosion in the prison system of non violent offenders instead of the solution which is treatment. Trouble is here I think the innocent blunt aficionados are always in danger of losing their liberty due to some new jacks looking to get promoted. Just my observations after 25+ yrs in civil service including LE support and a couple of years in the Phils mostly on Negros.
It's all a bit ridiculous. They aren't trying to treat the root cause of drug addiction and are instead going after a unavoidable symptom (drug dealers) that is impossible to cure. As long as there is a demand there will be a supply.
