CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – At least 13 persons believed engaged in illegal drugs trafficking in different parts of Pampanga have been killed while 477 were arrested by police authorities during separate buy-bust operations in the province in a span of two months.
Senior Supt. Nicolas S. Salvador, director of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO), said a total of 554 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and 2,921 grams of dried marijuana have been seized by different police units from the last part of May to present, as the police intensified its campaign against the prohibited substance.
“The message is clear to everyone still engaged in illegal drugs trade. This may serve as a warning to those who are still in the illegal drugs business,” said Supan in his text message to iorbitnews.com.
He added that a member of the 2nd Mobile Force Company – PO2 Nathaniel Cuico – was injured during a buy-bust at Bgy. Sucad in Apalit town sometime last month.
The latest fatality on the war on drugs in Pampanga is Vergel Z. Valencia of Apalit town, who succumbed to gunshot wounds during a drug bust in Barangay San Pedro, San Simon, Pampanga on Monday (Aug 6), said Supan.
Others killed during an “armed encounter” with lawmen were JayAr de Guzman, 33, of Northville 14, Bgy. Calulut, City of San Fernando and Alvin Ocampo, 23, of San Vicente, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga; Rodel Viray, of San Simon town; Renato de Leon, of Bggy. San Francisco, Magalang town; a certain alias Ronelio; alias Prince, of Mabalacat City; Michael de los Reyes and Richard Casimiro, both included in the list of wanted persons. Abelardo Aday, 27, alias Negro, who traded shots with lawmen at Bgy. Sta. Monica, San Luis town; Alvin Lingat and two others who remained unidentified.
The arrested suspects are facing charges in court and detained at the Provincial Jail.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda meanwhile tapped Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to support the government’s campaign against the menace of society by reporting to proper authorities the mere presence of illegal drugs pushers also known as “merchants of death” in their respective community.
The governor also echoed her call to Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) urging them to strengthen their campaign in combatting prohibited drugs.
Pineda assured barangay officials of her support in the implementation various programs especially on peace and order.