CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte- Retiring regional police director, Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, said that 30 percent of 4,390 barangays of the region have been cleared from illegal drugs proliferation.
Beltejar, who is to retire at the end of this month, said that the proliferation of illegal drugs, particularly methamphatime hydrochloride or shabu, is one of his top priorities when he assumed his post in 2016.
“During my incumbency, Eastern Visayas was peaceful (and) village officials and even teachers can attest to the safety of the region and the great effect of the war on drugs in terms of peace and order situation in the region,” Beltejar said during a farewell get-together party with the members of the local media held last Friday (August 4).
“More or less, we were able to clear about 30 percent of the drug-affected villages in the whole region” he added.
The police regional director also said that it was during his watch that several high-profile drug personalities in the region were arrested.
He particularly mentioned the Espinosa Drug Group which was believed to be controlled by murdered Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. and his son, Kerwin.
But in an earlier interview, Beltejar disclosed that there some individuals who are trying to build their strength with the hope of supplanting the Espinosas in the illicit drug activity in the region.
Beltejar admitted that illegal drug continues to enter various parts of the region coming from Manila or Cebu reason why security at seaports in the region are being strengthened.
Beltejar added that aside from addressing illegal drugs, he also campaigned against illegal gambling, arrest of individuals who are considered wanted and ensuring the peace and order situation of Eastern Visayas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
