Drug dependent threatens to commit suicide

AFTER almost four hours of negotiation, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) convinced a drug dependent armed with a bladed weapon to surrender.

The drug dependent threatened to harm his family and commit suicide inside their residence at St. Francis Village, Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, Wednesday morning.

BCPO Director Ricardo De la Paz said Ernesto Beloya, alias “Panoy,” 39, said he would kill himself when his family decided to bring him back to the Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Beloya locked himself in his room around 8 a.m. Wednesday and shouted that he does not like the treatment inside the rehabilitation center and that he just wanted to live peacefully.

His family immediately called the assistance of Station 6 policemen led by Police Chief Inspector Noel Polines but the suspect didn't listen to the police official until the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) responded to the area.

Beloya asked his family not to bring him to the rehabilitation center. He also asked for money and he promised to change his life.

De la Paz and City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSOTG) head Police Superintendent Santiago Rapiz also tried to negotiate with the suspect and fortunately, he listened to Rapiz.

Beloya opened the door of his room around 12:30 p.m.

Rapiz told Beloya that they will not bring him to the rehabilitation center and that he will be responsible for his custody.

Beloya was adopted by his aunt when he was three months old. He started to use illegal drugs when he was 17-year-old and he stayed in rehabilitation center for almost eight years.

Beloya admitted that he is a drug dependent but he promised to his family that he will change. He is now in the custody of Rapiz. (MAP)