At least seven (7) self-confessed drug pushers surrendered to acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte Monday. All seven were turned over by Councillor Edgar Ibuyan Jr. (Davao City Information Office)
DAVAO CITY — After three drug suspects were killed in separate shootouts with the police authorities here over the weekend, seven self-confessed drug pushers surrendered to Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte on Monday, July 4.
The seven were turned over by councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr as they were operating in Barangay Bankerohan and were received by Duterte at the Davao City Hall.
Duterte, who is now acting City Mayor, promised illegal drug traders who will surrender to government that they will help them start a new life.
“Kamong mga taga-Davao na nalambigit anang droga, nagabaligya, kabalo naman mo na naa mo diha sa delikado (Those who are involved in illegal drugs trade here in Davao, you know that you are putting your lives at risk),” he said as he urged them to reform.
Duterte welcomed the decision of the “surrenderees” as he urged illegal drug peddlers in the city to change their ways and look for better sources of livelihood.
He said the city government is willing to help those who will sincerely change.
“Kung tinod-anay ang ilang pag bag-o, tabangan nato sila, bisag ginagmay, na makanegosyo sila (If these drug pushers are really serious in their promise to change their ways, we are willing to help them, in small ways, maybe they can start their businesses),” he said.
‘Relentless, sustained’ anti-drug campaign
Duterte’s father, President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to curb the illegal drug trade in the country in a “relentless” and “sustained” fight.
During his inaugural speech on June 30, Pres. Duterte admitted that there are those who criticize his methods of fighting criminality, illegal drugs trade and corruption.
“They say that my methods are unorthodox and verge on the illegal,” he said.
“I have seen how illegal drugs destroyed individuals and ruined family relationships. I have seen how criminality, by means all foul, snatched from the innocent and the unsuspecting, the years and years of accumulated savings. Years of toil and then, suddenly, they are back to where they started. Look at this from that perspective and tell me that I am wrong,” Duterte said.
But, he also said that he will adhere to due process.
“As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not,” he said.
Suspects killed
In Davao City, three drug suspects were killed in separate shootouts with the police authorities over the weekend.
Ronald Aupe Paterno, 37 was killed by police officers who conducted buy-bust operation in Toril at around 7:40 am on Friday, July 1.
Arnel Fernandez, was also shot at around 2:40 pm in Isla Verde in Barangay 23-C by police officerswas also shot at around 2:40 pm
While, Alvin Amor was shot dead by the police at his house in Purok 8-A, Barangay 31-D Saturday afternoon. Police said the suspect has been detained in the past for robbery and illegal drugs cases .
Lawyers condemn “quick fix savagery”
However, the National Union of People’s Lawyers condemned the “apparent serial summary executions” of alleged drug users or “petty drug lords”.
“Let us be crystal clear: the drug menace must stop. Goodness, we hate drugs too. There should be no two minds about it,” said Atty. Edre Olalia, secretary general of the NUPL.
“Yet the apparent serial summary executions of alleged street drug users or petty drug lords, which appear sudden, too contrived and predictable must also stop. The two are not incompatible.”
Olalia said: “Quick fix savagery and abuse of power by law enforcers supposedly to quell criminality and drugs, which, wittingly or unwittingly, directly or indirectly, are encouraged, condoned or sanctioned, is a Frankenstein that will haunt us all over time.”
“Human rights are not only for the criminals or dregs of society as some may think or believe. It is more to protect the far too many others who are innocent or turn out to be innocent,” he said. (davaotoday.com)
