Mayor pushes for drug-free Victorias City

Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental (Photo courtesy of Victorias City PIO via Facebook)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez strongly condemned the proliferation of illegal drugs in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

This statement came after the arrest of a couple who allegedly yielded P1,360,000 worth of suspected shabu, a firearm, and ammunition in a buy-bust operation in Barangay III on Oct. 25.

Benitez said he does not tolerate such detestable acts because he wants to protect Victorias from such abominable menace.

As the mayor of the city, he said that he supports the effort of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-6 and the Victorias City Police Station in their special operation And firm implementation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.

“We condemn any unlawful activity, and we will not tolerate individuals who commit crimes against the mandate of our laws, whoever it may be,” Benitez stressed.

Benitez said they’ve been moving forward to promote a drug-free city throughout his first few months in the office.

“We’ve been urging the general public to prohibit the use of any illegal drugs through various means and projects with the help of the law enforcement agencies,” the mayor said.

Benitez said they will let the proper authorities further investigate and incarcerate those who are subject to felonies.

“Without any bias and with no influence from anyone, justice should be served, and whoever is guilty must be penalized according to the rule of law,” the local chief executive added.

Benitez said they will continue being relentless in their advocacy for a drug-free community and make the city a safer and better place to live in.