BCPO: Bacolod a Drug Trade Transshipment Point

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Illegal drugs can be transported through Bacolod as the city serves as a transshipment point due to its central location, making it a key area for trade and movement, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Police Col. Joeresty Coronica said.

Despite the city’s ongoing efforts to curb drug-related activities, Coronica clarified that Bacolod is not necessarily the primary consumer or distributor, as the drugs are often redistributed to other areas.

He noted that one of the biggest challenges is the ease of movement across borders, especially with advancements in technology that make it easier to bypass traditional routes.

The rise of consignment operations has also made it more difficult to track and intercept illegal drugs, he added.

Despite these challenges, Coronica assured that the city continues its intensified anti-illegal drug operations.

He cited last week’s success, where nearly PHP4 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in two separate buy-bust operations.

Coronica said these drug recoveries are not considered alarming but emphasized the importance of preventing their proliferation in Bacolod and neighboring areas in Negros Occidental.

He also acknowledged the harsh reality of drug-related deaths and the ongoing struggle to address the issue.

To combat the problem, he stressed the need to fast-track drug-clearing operations.

Currently, 34% of Bacolod’s 61 barangays have been successfully cleared of drugs, but there is still much work to be done.

Annual revalidation is being conducted to ensure barangays maintain their drug-cleared status, Coronica said.

Local barangays are also receiving training to effectively conduct drug-clearing operations.

However, he cited the lack of funding as a major obstacle in anti-drug efforts.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), however, is receiving support from local government resources, making it more efficient than other units.

Despite financial constraints, continued city government support has helped sustain operations and strengthen anti-drug initiatives, he said.

“We are thankful for the support from the city government,” Coronica said.

Meanwhile, he announced that the activation of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Negros Island Region (NIR) is tentatively scheduled for the first or second week of March.

He said a meeting was held at Camp Crame two weeks ago to discuss the activation of the regional office.

However, the positions for regional director and deputy regional director for administration have yet to be filled.

The regional police office will be temporarily housed inside the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) headquarters at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.