Drug pushers swear to stop illegal acts

CEBU, Philippines - Suspected drug peddlers and owners of houses for pot session in Medellin town in northern Cebu are now slowly coming out to the open to clear their names following the series of raids conducted by authorities.

At least seven of them from barangay Canhabagat have voluntary surrendered and sworn in before Mayor Ricardo Ramirez to stop their illegal activities.

The suspects approached Canhabagat barangay captain Francisco Camay Sr. and councilor Nestor Inot who accompanied them to the office of Ramirez yesterday.

They are identified as Eliseo Ruiz, 63; Francisca Ruiz, 58; Maridel Ruiz, 25; Julito Booc, 37; Renato Inot, 34; Maristela  Booc, 32, and Jardiolin Jalico, 50, all of the said barangay.

They promised to stop their illegal activities instead continue their respective works as farmers, habal-habal drivers and vendors.

“Ug kun mahisupak ako sa akong gipanumpaan o panaad, andam ako nga magpapreso. Ug kun mamatikdan ako sa mga opisyales sa barangay o barangay tanod nga ako nagpasuyop lang gihapon sakop sa among panimalay sa maong illegal nga butang o drugas, sila mismo ang modakop kanako,” said each of the suspects in their individual affidavit.

Ramirez told The FREEMAN that more are expected to come out in the next days.

Suspected big time drug pusher, William Mercader, is now languishing in jail while two others known as Francis and Badi are now fugitives with warrant of arrest.

Medellin town has been the target of several buy-bust operations conducted by the police in the past few days.

Just recently, a family of suspected drug pushers was also busted by police killing one of its members and resulting in the arrest of  three others.—(FREEMAN)