Makati PNP admits: We can't implement same barangay drug campaign in exclusive subdivisions

The anti-drug operations of the Philippine National Police in the usual barangays can't be applied to exclusive subdivisions in Makati, authorities admitted.

In a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on "24 Oras" on Thursday, Chief Insp. Samuel Fernandez of Makati Station 5 said they are taking extra care in dealing with posh villages such as Forbes Park, Dasmariñas, San Lorenzo, and Urdaneta, which are home to some of the country's wealthiest families.

“Itong mga posh villages na ito ay kailangan maging maingat tayo dahil base as aming record eh no single resident is involved in illegal drugs, so doon kami nagbe-base,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said Makati police cannot simply enter the villages and knock on the doors of each house. He added he has been meeting with the barangay chairmen of the posh areas for its anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“We are very cautious, hinihintay natin yung barangay circular na pinapakita ng barangay chairman. Once ma-approve yun, sisimulan na namin yung pagbisista sa mga resident,” Fernandez said.

San Lorenzo Village barangay official Joel Lampa said they are cooperating with authorities in its campaign, conducting seminars for residents and barangay employees.

Still, he noted the police cannot just enter their village unlike in regular barangays.

“Sa villages naman kasi, siyempre yung tao nakatira, siyempre high-profile. Kilala rin sila sa industriya, kilala sa gobyerno, hindi na sila lalapit pa sa gobyerno para ipa-rehab yung mayroon man. Nag-i-initiate na po yung pamilya nila. May mga doctors din naman sila, mga private doctors na pinapasuri nila if ever,” said Lampa.

Aside from the posh villages of Makati City, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said they are also setting their sights on high-end bars and clubs in the city.

“Yung mga high-end bars diyan na alam natin, maraming nagte-take diyan ng party drugs. Kausapin ko muna sila, kung anong maitutulong nila sa kampanya ng gobyerno,” Dela Rosa said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/JST, GMA News