Former anti-drug executive says illegal drugs back in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - A dismissed Makati anti-drug official alleged yesterday that illegal drugs have returned to the city following the disbandment of the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC).

Tony Montojo, former MADAC operations chief, said an American was arrested for selling an opium-based painkiller a few meters away from the house of Makati mayoralty candidate Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. in Barangay San Antonio.

Montojo asked Binay to explain to the public why illegal drugs had returned to Makati.

“This is a direct result of (the) disbandment of the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council, which used to be at the forefront of the fight against illegal drugs,” he said.

“It was the first time the authorities seized oxycodone tablets in the Philippines and it made its debut in the neighborhood of the Binays.”

Montojo said Binay must explain what he intends to do to stop drug pushers in Makati.

“Now, he cannot even stop drug trafficking in his own neighborhood,” he said. “What more in remotest barangays in Makati.”

Montojo said drug pushers have been emboldened by the disbandment of MADAC.

“Only last month, three people were arrested in Barangay Pio del Pilar for peddling 10,000 diazepam tablets and marijuana at (a mall) on Chino Roces street,” he said.

About 200 MADAC agents were dismissed last February on orders of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay because of their perceived allegiance to Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, Montojo said.

The younger Binay said these allegations are politically motivated.