- PDEA Region II representative refutes Mar Roxas’ claim of drug groups operating in Davao
- He denies existence of cartel, says it is outside groups that are trying to enter the city
- He also says drug activities inside the city are moderate to minimal compared to other areas
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Amid claims by Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas that Davao City was mired in illegal drugs, the representative of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 categorically denied a drug cartel was operating inside the city.
“There is no such thing as a drug cartel dito sa Davao,” PDEA Region 11 Representative Atty. Ben Joseph Tesiorna told UNTV News. “Although, merong mga grupo who are trying to penetrate Davao City.”
As proof, he pointed to the recent capture of a couple by PDEA agents in Toril, Davao del Sur last Sunday as they were trying to smuggle 50 grams of shabu into Davao City.
“This couple belong to a drug group but it is not based in Davao City. They are considered high-value targets,” he said.
Tesiorna added that even if there are indeed drug-related activities in Davao City, the rate is minimal to moderate compared to those of other areas. He also thanked the police and military for beefing up the PDEA which he said has been short of personnel.
Duterte and Roxas have been on a verbal warpath since the end of the first presidential debate after the latter again claimed Davao City had the fourth highest crime rate and was saddled with illegal drugs.
In response, the tough-talking mayor twitted Roxas for not having done anything against illegal drugs as interior secretary even though he controlled the country’s police force.
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