BARELY three weeks into his stint as officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. has reiterated an earlier warning to police personnel who are still involved in the illegal drugs trade to stop or he will (literally) ‘change’ their lives.
“Iyong mga iba d’yan, na hanggang ngayon ay ayaw tumigil sa pag proliferate ng illegal na droga. I would like to address this to the men in uniform of the (PNP). Mayroon pa rin sa atin, mangilan-ngilan, I’m giving you (a) stern warning, nakiki-usap ako sa inyo, please put a stop to these illegal drugs menace,” Danao stressed during today’s flag ceremony at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Nakiki-usap ako sa inyo, kung nakalusot na kayo d’yan at hindi kayo nahuli, pasalamat kayo, hangga’t suot ko itong uniporme na ito, matuloy man ako na mag-four star o hindi, you take note gentlemen, kilala ko kayo,” he disclosed empathically.
“I’m giving you a stern warning. Ayaw niyong magbago? Babaguhin ko iyong buhay n’yo, kung hindi niyo babaguhin, palitan ko iyong birthday n’yo. Hindi ako nagbibiro,” he added.
In press briefing after the flag ceremony, the PNP’s OIC explained to the media that his message was in reaction to unvalidated reports claiming that some officers are still linked to the drug trade. “There’s still one, paisa-isa na napaka-titigas ng ulo niyo. You will reap what you want, I’m telling you. Ngayon, ‘pag ayaw n’yo talagang magbago sabi ko nga, ay ibibigay ko ang gusto ninyo. Mayroon pa ring paisa-isa although these are unvalidated reports, sana naman ay hindi totoo, at sana naman ihinto na natin kung meron man,” he cited.
Meanwhile, seven barangays in Cebu City were given recognition for their success in the anti-drugs campaign advocated by no less than outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from the recognition and honor, Barangays Toong, Sto. Niño, Basak-Pardo, Barrio Luz, Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2 and Parian were also picked from among the city’s 80 barangays for having an outstanding Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
In a statement, newly appointed interior and local government director Dr. Nelia Aquino announced that the said barangays will be receiving a cash reward of P100, 000 each from the Cebu City government. A second check amounting to P100, 000 each will also be handed to 13 barangays that already earned a drug-cleared status.
