100 ‘drug users, dealers’ surrender to cops in Lapu-lapu, Mandaue

‘Drug users and pushers’ surrender to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza for reform and rehabilitation in line with President Duterte’s war on drugs. (Photo by Norman Mendoza, CEBU DAILY NEWS)

CEBU CITY — Close to a hundred suspected drug users and dealers from the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue went to various police precincts to surrender.

In Lapu-Lapu City, 75 persons linked to illegal drug activities surrendered to the Lapu-Lapu City police headquarters Thursdayafternoon.

Senior Supt. Arnel Libed, who earlier received information from his precinct chiefs about the mass surrender, held a program on the third floor of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Building and invited former drug addicts to share their testimony.

Mayor Paz Radaza expressed hope that those who surrendered would support their campaign against illegal drugs. She said livelihood programs would help them transition to legal, normal jobs.

Libed credited the mass surrender to their “Operation Tokhang” or “Toktok, Hangyo” (knock and ask to quit) program.

In Mandaue City, nine persons turned themselves in at various police precincts.

Senior Supt. Jonathan Cabal, Mandaue City police chief, said they would be gathered at the Mandaue City Sports Complex for profiling.

The suspects admitted being fearful of losing their lives in the intensified operations against illegal drugs, wherein many suspected drug dealers had ended up dead.  SFM