Bogo City Mayor: Bogo HS kids tapped as drug couriers by syndicate

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

ALARMED by the presence of gangs and drug peddlers in his area, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. sought the help of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA).

Martinez said illegal drugs and gang violence are growing problems in Barangays Banban, Malingin and Cayang.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The PDEA reportedly told the mayor it will look into the drug problem.

Martinez said some high school students in Bogo are used as drug pushers and couriers. He added that a syndicate may be behind it.

Bogo City Police Chief Ceferino Tabay Jr. said they received reports that illegal drugs come from Cebu City and are brought to Bogo to be distributed to neighboring towns of San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Tabuelan and even to Masbate.

Martinez said some third and fourth year high school students in Banban, Malingin and Cayang are involved in the illegal drugs trade.

He said barangay officials have been complaining about the problem since last year.

He added that the parents of the minors are often unaware of their children’s involvement in illegal activities.

Fighting among gangs is also becoming a problem, the mayor said.

During a recent fiesta in Barangay Gairan, violence broke out among warring gangs. The police caught two minors, who were later turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The police filed frustrated homicide cases against the two minors.