18 COPS PROTECTORS OF WV DRUG TRADE

There are about 18 policemen in Region 6 identified to be protectors of the
illegal drug trade, Senior Supt. Felix Muchada, deputy regional director
for Administration of Western Visayas, said yesterday.

He said the policemen are now undergoing summary investigation at the
Police Regional Office 6. He also said about 15 are reportedly protectors
of the group of suspected drug lord Jose Kim Cuadra alias "Boy Cuadra, and
four of them are in Panay.

Bacolod police director Senior Supt. George Bajelot, however, said that
there are none in Negros Occidental, based on the report of PRO 6.

Meanwhile, Muchada said the intensified campaign of the Bacolod City Police
Office against prohibited drugs has reduced the percentage of drug affected
barangays in the City.

He said that out of 61 barangays in the city only about 36.7 percent are
affected compared to 40-41 percent previously. In Bacolod City there are
four seriously affected barangays while 24 are threatened, he said.

Out of 928 persons under the PNP watchlist in Western Visayas, there are
230 suspected drug pushers operating in Iloilo and 95 in Bacolod, Muchada
also said.

I am also appealing for the cooperation of the criminal justice system and
the public in order to stop or minimize the illegal drug trade in the city,
he said.

Meanwhile, Muchada said members of the Anti Illegal Drugs Special
Operations Task Force should all undergo drug testing and background
checking before admission.

Bajelot said the members of the AIDSOTF have clearance from the concerned
agencies.

The BCPO has filed 392 drug cases from 2002 to 2003, he said.*CGS