OFFICIALS WELCOME VIGILANTES, BUT FROWN ON EXECUTIONER ROLE

Top civil and police officials in Dumaguete City welcomed the creation of a
vigilante group that vowed to help eradicate illegal drugs in the province,
but expressed strong opposition to its self-assumed role as an executioner.
Mayor Agustin Perdices said person or group who wants to help the
government in its campaign against illegal drugs is very welcome.

But Perdices said he does not, and will not agree with the group's assumed
role as an executioner because it is unlawful.

"They should not take the law into their hands. Due process must be
respected," Perdices stressed.

Early this week, the newly created "6426 Brigade" announced in a press
statement that it is a vigilante group out to help the government eliminate
the drug menace.

A certain Kumander Boy Blanco said his group will issue warning, impose
fines, oust or liquidate people involved in the drug trade. Perdices said
the group can help prosecute effectively drug suspects by helping the
government gather evidence.

Senior Inspector Crisaleo Tolentino, head of the Criminal Investigation and
Detection Group in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, said he welcomes any group
that will extend assistance to the authorities in the campaign against
illegal drugs.

But, like the mayor, he does not approve any liquidation activity because
it is not allowed by law. Besides, Tolentino said, it is possible that
innocent people might be victimized by the group in its zeal to pin down
drug suspects.

"If some authorities who have undergone sufficient training sometimes make
abuses, how much more individuals who did not?," Tolentino asked.