LOCAL executives expressed alarm at the spike in killings of suspected drug dependents and traffickers in Metro Manila.
In an executive session at the Holiday Inn in Makati City, Metro Manila mayors sought the help of Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno to find solutions that would bring back the trust of the people in local government units and its promise to give them a chance to change.
The mayors explained that the promises made by the government to their constituents—both drug dependents and those engaged in trafficking—to be rehabilitated and start a new life after giving themselves up to authorities have not materialized and they have instead become the subjects of summary execution, purportedly by vigilante groups.
In the town of Pateros alone, according to Mayor Miguel Ponce III, 37 individuals suspected to be involved in drug dealing and its use, were killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed his post in July.
He said the local government units are clueless who are responsible for the increasing number of deaths while residents suspect that law enforcers are the ones behind the summary executions.
“No arrest has been made. Thirty-seven were killed in drugs but we can’t provide details or any results of these cases. Even a minor, who has a chance to change, is also being killed. We remain answerable to our constituents. Why the killings?” said Ponce.
“I believe police are doing their best but we can’t prevent the people to ask what was happening, that’s why there are a few thinking the police were involved. Though there were incidents that vigilantes did it and there were instances that members of the drug syndicates, themselves perpetrated the killings,” he added.
The Pateros local government came up with a Zumba physical fitness program, as one of the solutions made to rehabilitate the drug dependents.
“But no one comes to the rehabilitation program anymore. There were 300 attendees in the weekly Zumba program before but now, there are only 10. A Zumba attendee was also among those killed,” said Ponce.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmencita Abalos seconded Ponce. She said the government must have a concrete solution or a better program to help the drug pushers and dependents to make a new life.
“We have to bring back the trust of these people. They are willing to change but let’s give them protection,” she said.
In Manila, the family of a victim of a rubout in Tondo recently denounced members of the Police Station 1 and Pritil-Police Community Precinct whom they said summary executed their kin.
Sueno, for his part, assured the local executives will help them find solutions to the problem.
“Although, only two or three cities cited this concern, we will find out and study this problem. We will concentrate on the problem. This is a problem that we can’t ignore and we are trying to solve it,” he said.