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[av_heading heading=’Drug activities slow down in Odicta brgy? ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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ILOILO City – The barangay captain of Tanza Esperanza, City Proper claimed a 97-percent drop in illegal drug activities in his village.
“Oplan Double Barrel of the police and our non-stop campaign against illegal drugs, including the cooperation of the populace, were big factors in the drop,” said Barangay Captain Noel Odicta, brother of slain suspected drug lord Melvin “Boyet” Odicta Sr.
According to the village chief, 62 drug pushers already surrendered and he is working out the surrender of the 10 remaining individuals that their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council identified as drug personalities.
“Should they refuse to stop their illegal activities, they will be subjected to police operation,” said Odicta.
The barangay council of Tanza Esperanza has livelihood programs for the surrenderees and other poor residents. One of these is the “rent-to-own trisikad” program.
The driver has to pay the barangay council a daily rent of P30 until his payment reaches the total cost of the trisikad he is driving. The trisikad’s ownership will then be transferred to the driver, said Odicta.
“This is one way of helping them earn a living so they would stay away from illegal drugs,” he added.
Yesterday, around 300 residents of Barangay Tanza Esperanza and the adjacent village of Malipayon gathered for a synchronized barangay assembly.
“Our barangay now is very peaceful because we neutralized drug personalities, but we are working hard to neutralize remaining drug pushers,” said Odicta.
The theme of the assembly was “Hublag sa Pagbag-o” (Movement for Change).
“This is the time for drug personalities to change for the better,” said Odicta./PN
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