PANGLAO – What’s the real score in Panglao’s drug problem? Is it as serious as what some people including town officials picture it to be. Or it is just being hyped by media?.  Whatever it is, there’s no telling that it is that serious if the recent brutal rape- slay of a cashier of a famous resort was any gauge. Following the gruesome incident, it has become a heated debate if Panglao whether or not, has reached the point of no return in matters involving illegal drugs. Mayor Benedicto Alcala, for one, was as alarmed as anybody else, given Panglao’s drug situation. But police officers tasked to lick the problem have a different take: They saw a different situation diametrically opposed to that of the mayor.  While the mayor said all indicators pointed to widespread and uncontrolled drug abuse, police saw otherwise.

Citing the recent incident as one telltale sign, the mayor said the alleged rapist-murderer who worked with a resort here confirmed he used shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in two sessions prior to the killing of his victim. Another, the mayor said, is that some visitors, women and men alike, at the beach looked like already “sabog” or “doped” during night time. He said that he also received reports from boat transport operators on the shipment of the drugs peddled in coastal areas, particularly at Alona beach stretch, could be the entry point is not farfetched. But this has to be verified, he said. Sources of these illegal substances include a noted peddler from Inabanga town, whom he did not identify and another that supplies most of the western part of island. Based on information he received, the mayor said these suppliers have slowed down, for the meantime, apparently due to massive crackdown. Asked if some policemen of his town could be protectors or in cahoots with drug pushers, the mayor said it was possible. He said two of the alleged police-drug-protectors, whom he did not name, are already transferred to other places.

Citing political resolve as the key to solving the drug menace, Mayor Alcala vowed to eliminate the proliferation of prohibited drugs in his turf, saying if he won’t do it now, what will happen to the children of tomorrow. He rationalized that if drugs proliferate and remain uncontrolled, peace and order will be in chaos. There’ll be no development since investors would not dare to do business here where peace and order. Becomes elusive.  Included in his campaign is the massive information to the school children for them to be aware on illegal drugs. He also urged the parents to do their share in preventing the drugs in their midst. While Mayor Alcala was alarmed of drug the problem in Panglao, the police led by Insp. Cesar Acompaniado denied allegations that drugs use in this town was rampant. He was quoted as saying that there was no truth to reports that drug abuse is widespread. It’s only on “text” messages” reaching the airlanes, he said. He said his office already identified suspects in the drug peddling business here. He said that he and his men are not remiss to stamp out drug abuse. But he explained that running after illegal drug is not the main course of police function but it’s for the Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The police only assist, he added.  On this score, Acompaniado appeared to have the support of Provincial Director Constantino Paul Barot, Jr. when he was quoted as saying that it was the primary mandate of PDEA to run after illegal drugs peddling in the province. (RVO)