Tagbilaran City police chief Supt. Nicomedes Olaivar on Monday expressed alarm over the suspension of anti-illegal drug operations in the country noting that it could reverse progress in eradicating drug trade in barangays.

Olaivar aired his concern on the possible resurgence of illegal drug activities in Tagbilaran City villages which have already been considered as candidates to being declared drug-free as police forces divert their focus away from the crackdown on drugs.

He said that the suspension of the police’s war on drugs could give drug syndicates an opportunity to recoup, grow their operations and purchase firearms to protect their illegal activities.

The development could also prompt drug personalities to resume their involvement in illegal activities, Olaivar added.

However, the city police chief noted that monitoring operations against narcotics trade will be sustained.

The police in the province will also be coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which have been tasked as lead agencies to continue the crackdown on illegal drugs.

According to Olaivar, the city police is ready to send personnel to support NBI and PDEA agents in anti-drug operations.

Olaivar clarified that the suspension of the police’s anti-drug campaign does not bar police forces from arresting drug personalities who are caught in the act of engaging in illegal drug activities.

The police are only barred from planning and conducting anti-drug campaigns such as buy-bust operations and raids, he said. (Allen Doydora)