“Be wary of fake news. Find credible sources of information.”
Last week, the Quezon Provincial Police and the National Bureau of Investigation seized 1.5 metric tons of shabu in the Municipality of Infanta, Quezon. The drugs were valued at almost P12 billion. The high-value shabu allegedly had come from the islands before being transported by land. This has been regarded as the biggest drug haul in the country in history.
With this, we laud the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and the military for the successful operation. Meanwhile, we must not be complacent. The provincial government continues to be committed in its drive against illegal drugs in the province. It is interesting to note, however, that the shipment was done while Mayora Grace, the Chief Executive of Infanta, was recovering from attempted murder. Was it only a coincidence?
While the police are still investigating the motive behind the attempt on Mayora Grace’s life, many surmise that it was politically motivated. Whether this is true or not, I call on local candidates to observe decency, respect, and value for human life throughout the election period. I have already declared that violence has no place in our province. I also strongly urge local candidates to absolutely refrain from engaging in illegal activities, more so in illegal drug trade, to fuel personal interests. I will not allow anyone to take advantage of our coastal waters and use Quezonians for illegal drug trafficking.
The NBI is already preparing the charges for the suspects in the drug haul. To aid and speed up the investigations, I am offering a P1-million reward to anyone who will report those behind the billions-worth of drug shipment. Another million will also be given to anyone who will come forward and report the person/s responsible for the attempt on Mayora Grace’s life. We will make sure that the perpetrators of these crimes will be held liable.
Local campaign period starts tomorrow. Amidst the adversities, I am hopeful that we will have peaceful and orderly campaign activities and elections in the province. I expect nothing less than absolute compliance to the laws and rules and regulations from local candidates and the people.
Meanwhile, I urge our voters to discern carefully in May. Be wary of fake news. Find credible sources of information. Know the backgrounds and accomplishments of your candidates. Research their track records. This coming election is critical not only to national growth and recovery, but also to local development. Choose who you think will serve you well. Vote wisely.
