FROM a progressive fishing village to a hotbed of illegal drugs. How one community changed from good to bad is a study on how to prevent the spread of the illicit trade.
Barangay Tangke in Talisay City recently became the focus of police action against the illegal drug trade with elite police members patrolling its streets and several persons believed to have drug links arrested.
What is it with this community that has made it into a hotbed of drugs? A news feature on SunStar Cebu by Justin Vestil explains that.
Barangay Tangke got its name after World War 2 when battle tanks were left following the liberation of Cebu from Japanese occupation. It later became known for its thriving fishing industry where fish vendors and buyers from Talisay and other parts of southern Cebu would flock to Tangke, particularly Sitio Kilawan, to get the freshest catch, the report said. If Cebu City had Pasil, Talisay had Tangke, former barangay captain Perla Cabanes said in the report.
Tangke is a coastal barangay and, that time, the fish was in abundance. But, in the 1990s, the lure of a quick buck and in big amounts was just too hard to ignore.
The waters became a source not of fish but of illegal drugs with supplies coming from Bohol or Negros or as far away as Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. The drugs are repacked then distributed elsewhere.
The drug personalities became “Robin Hoods” in the neighborhood and gave away money to whoever needed it. Word got around quickly. In return, these drug people gained the sympathy and cooperation of residents who later may themselves join the illegal trade.
This is the reason police personnel get hit by rocks when they hold anti-drug operations there, Supt. Marlu Conag, Talisay City police chief, said. The network of informers also warns drug people of approaching cops.
Drug traders started with marijuana and cough syrup, then moved on to shabu because it gave them more money. They used to deal the drugs in person. Now, they receive orders by mobile phone and let children bring the money to buyers because minors go scot-free eventually.
The case of Barangay Tangke can serve as a lesson on how to stop the spread of illegal drugs in the community. If it is near the waters, police presence should be increased there. Tell residents to report strangers to the barangay hall. Educate them on the ills and risks of the drug trade.
Lighted public areas and clear passageways help deter criminality in areas packed with shanties. Financial or lending support may be strengthened so residents do not have to go to “Robin Hood” whose only interest is to get protection from the locals. Poverty is what drives certain people to commit crimes but a support system by the local government could stop them from turning desperate.
Just look at Tangke and see what steps can be taken to stop drugs.