Police tap bar owners in fight against drugs

MORE than 80 bar and club owners in Cebu City signed an affidavit of undertaking to show support to the police in their fight against illegal drugs.

During the half-day dialogue at the Crown Regency Hotel in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City yesterday morning, the bar owners and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) agreed on the guidelines and policies for the maintenance of a “drug-free” business establishments.

“Today the Cebu City Police Office is extending their efforts to the bar and nightclub owners to discuss security measures on how to prevent illegal drugs from penetrating the establishments. This is to solicit support on the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) fight against illegal drugs,” said Senior Supt. Joel Doria, chief of the Cebu City Police Office.

Among the provisions of the affidavit are the following: establishments should provide information on individuals engaged in illegal drug activity, cooperate in the police investigation by providing them copies of CCTV footage and still photos, tap employees as witnesses and allow access to selected intelligence agents and anti-illegal drug personnel.

Failure to comply with the provisions may compel the PNP to recommend for the revocation of business permit of the establishment as well as file appropriate charges against the latter if warranted under the law.

The affidavit of undertaking, Doria said, is in relation to the PNP’s directive to bring campaign against illegal drugs in nightclubs and bars.

The police force will conduct their surveillance in selected bars and nightclubs in the city starting today.

Policemen will wear civilian attire in order not to cause panic among the customers.

Nixon Jojo Dizon, one of the bar owners who attended the dialogue, confirmed that there are bar employees and managers involved in illegal drug activities.

“Naa man gud nay camaraderie nila dinha ba sa sud which bisag kita nga mga tag-iya, wala kahibaw. Sila ra gyud nay magkasabot. Bisan pag imo managers inosente, molaban man gud na sa mga tawo (There is camaraderie inside that even us, owners, don’t know about. They understand each other. Even if the managers are innocent, they will defend their people),” said Dizon.

He suggested that managers will not be notified regarding the CCPO’s schedule of surveillance. It was also agreed during the dialogue that these businesses will conduct surprise drug tests to their employees.