Rep Rene Lopez Relampagos called for stronger measures in fighting illegal drug trade in the province.

Last week, Bohol made national headlines after a Manila team of agents from the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a series of raids in the province — one in Tawala, Panglao and three in Tagbilaran City — that resulted to the seize of packs of shabu amounting to an estimated Php 5.3 Million Pesos and the arrest of thirteen drug personalities.

Regarding this, Relampagos said in a statement that it is disappointing that the province made national headlines because of rampant drug activity.

“While many of us are working hard for the betterment of our beloved province, here we are, caught in a disappointing and embarrassing situation when Bohol makes it to national news because of drug activity,” the solon expressed.

“We are gunning to be a big name in the tourism industry or in anything that is positive and morally boosting for Bohol and the Boholanos.  We don’t aspire to make it big in terms of drug activity rampancy,” Relampagos added.

The first district representative, while calling the operation of the NBI Manila Team in the province successful, reflected on the need for the agencies to intervene in the current drug situation in Bohol.  According to reports, 70 percent of the total number of reported crimes in the province is drug related.

“The raid should serve as an eye opener for all of us,” Relampagos said. “Are we not exercising much political will in putting an end to drug activity in the province? Are the provincial PNP not doing their best or should they go the extra mile to solve this issue? Are we not doing enough that there is a need for an NBI team from Manila to enter the picture? So many questions and it bothers me to think that we have reached a stage wherein the drug activity in the province has become so widespread that are in dire need of NBI’s intervention in order for us to resolve the problem.”

“We need to tackle this issue and come up with stronger measures to fight illegal drug trade in the province,” Relampagos imparted.  “We need to keep away our children from the dangers from drugs.  We need to secure ourselves from drug-related crimes.  And the only way to put an end to this is if we show strong willpower to fight drugs in the province.”