Pubdate: Wed,  7 Aug 2002
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2002 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://dgte.mozcom.com/visayandailystar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: Victor Camion
Note: To read more about the Philippines latest anti-drug crusade, including
vigilante justice, visit http://www.mapinc.org/areas/philippines .

COPS DIVIDED ON VIGILANTES

Police officers in Negros Oriental are divided on the formation of a
vigilante group in the province.

Some police officers, who requested anonymity, favor the group's move to
sentence and execute illegal drug traders.

DAILY STAR sources said the newly-formed "6425 Brigade" (apparently
referring to Republic Act 6425, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972) will
help the police combat the drug lords, if there are any in the province, as
well as drug pushers and the users.

Illegal drug users will be the next drug pushers, they said.

However, another group of police officers here say they are not in favor of
the creation of that vigilante group, because no one, even the police or
military, is authorized to kill anybody, without due process.

The source lamented that the group's move will incite some people to a civil
war, especially the victims of unjust salvaging.

Police Community Relation Officer P/Sr. Insp. Rosalind Abellon, said that
while the vigilantes will help the campaign against illegal drugs, it would
be dangerous to the victims who could be killed by mistake or for any
personal motive.

She also said that the creation of the vigilante group has insulted the
police and the justice system.

Abellon said the group is actually frustrated with the police forces,
especially because some influential people have gotten away with committing
crimes.

P/Insp. Angelito Ramada, however, said he believes that the reports of the
vigilante group's existence could just be part of a psy-war.

In a statement, a certain Kumander Boy Blanco warned all drug lords,
protectors, distributors, and pushers, saying, "Your days are numbered".

In their press statement they said that they aim to help the government
eliminate the drug trade.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk