AUTHORITIES have sounded alarm bells over the arrest of a female minor who was believed to be running an errand for illegal drug peddlers in Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, on Wednesday, October 24.
Police pounced on a 14-year old girl, name withheld to protect her, in a drug bust. She will be turned over to the social welfare department.
The girl yielded three sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth nearly P140,000.
Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said the city police is worried that drug syndicates are exploiting minors in the illegal drug trade.
Hortillosa said there are still minors who are swayed by big drug players despite the police's efforts in holding awareness campaign in schools.
"Nabalaka ang Cocpo nga pati mga minors ginagamit para mahimong successful ang ilang operasyon sa pagpbaligya sa droga," Hortillosa said.
"Gina-exploit sila sa mga dagkong nga drug dealers kay kabalo sila dili makasuhan ang bata kung madakpan," he added.
Hortillosa said the Cocpo will have to intensify its anti-illegal drug awareness campaign in schools and communities.
But, he said they need the parents and public support and cooperation.
"Dili namo kini makaya kung ang mga ginikanan magpasagad sa ilang mga anak ingon man ang publiko kay daghan pang mga inosenteng bata ang posibe magamit kung magpasagad kita," Hortillosa said.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested Carlo Brylle Filiciano, 29, a registered nurse working at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), in a drug bust in Barangay Carmen early this week.
He will face illegal drug charges. Being a government worker, the suspect is considered by police a high value target.