THE Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) of Zamboanga Sibugay have commended the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for its effort that led to the neutralization of three notorious
drug personalities in that province.
The two councils, chaired by Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Willter Yap Palma, issued the commendation through a resolution approved in a joint meeting held Wednesday.
In another resolution, the PPOC and PADAC expressed profound sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of PDEA agent Jack Roland Batastas, who was killed in a shootout during an anti-drug operation on September 2 in Purok Javier, Upper Pangi in Ipil, capital town of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Three suspected drug personalities were also killed while a policeman, Corporal Richie Novie Janeo of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9), was wounded.
The slain suspected drug personalities were identified as Ibrahim Cula, Jan-jan Mauli, and Absar Cula. Another suspect, Rosalie Gonzales Cula, was captured.
The operating team also seized some 30.5 grams of suspected shabu, two rifles, six handguns, and ammunition of different calibers.
The PPOC and PADAC noted that the members of the joint team that conducted the anti-drug operation displayed the true character of public servants and protectors of the people in the name of public service in the performance of their duties, functions and responsibilities.
“This earnest accomplishment is a concrete manifestation of their dedication and commitment to duty worth of emulation by others,” part of the first resolution read.
The PPOC and PADAC noted that Batastas displayed the true character of a hero in the name of public service and died in the performance of his duties, functions and responsibilities.
“His commitment, sacrifices and dedication to the public service served as an inspiration to many public servants and he will surely be remembered in the hears of many Sibugaynon,” part of the second resolution stated.
The PPOC, in gratitude, allotted P20,000 financial assistance to be given to the family of the late Batastas. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)