By Joseph Jubelag
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Local officials in Region-12 expressed dismay over the recent relief of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director Cesario Castro.
According to South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes, it was only after Castro assumed the post as PDEA-12 regional director last January that high-profile drug personalities in the region considered “untouchables” were caught.
Fuentes lauded Castro for dismantling several big-time drug networks in the region.
During his stint as PDEA-12 regional director, Castro smashed the El Patron drug network exposing its alleged leader, Maasim, Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. via a raid last Oct. 5, which netted one kilo of shabu worth P5 million as with several firearms and explosives.
Castro also arrested two local traders in South Cotabato identified as Ruel Espinosa and Keith Valerio, with the two yielding almost R1 million worth of shabu.
For his part, Castro said he expected his relief, noting, “Many of the arrested high-profile drug suspects are moneyed influential people who can ask for my relief.”
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, concurrent chair of the Regional Peace and Order, said the relief of Castro might impede the anti-illegal drug campaign in the region.