'Resolve drug killings in my town,' liga prexy calls on guv, police

By Florence F. Hibionada, correspondent

An urgent call has now been made for Governor Niel Tupas and the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) to step in and help resolve the spate of killings in the Municipality of Ajuy. The incidents are said to be drug-related with families of the two latest victims awaiting justice as authorities allegedly remain silent on the suspects' identities.

The call came from Board Member Angelo Briones, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in the province. Briones also made the appeal in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Security of the Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP).

As such, he moved for a resolution calling for immediate answers to the killings while asking the governor to activate the operating unit of the Provincial Task Force against illegal drugs and other vices. Pressed for details, Briones said he wants clear actions done within two weeks.

In an interview with The News Today , Briones fruther decried what he said is the seeming helplessness of the Ajuy police to the situation. Asked how certain he was that the two recent deaths were drug-related, the board member quipped, " sigurado gid ako kay tawo ko ang ila ginpatay (I am certain because it was my man they killed.)"

The Liga president was referring to victim John Delanda who was left for dead by the roadside of Barangay San Antonio in Ajuy, Iloilo. Delanda, according to Briones, once served as a drug courier for a local drug syndicate and wanted out. His death apparently delivered a "no way" answer from the group. Two weeks prior to Delanda's violent death, another man was left by Sitio Tigbao-Tupas in Barangay Malayu-an of same town.

Another drug-related killing, Board Member Briones confirmed while adding that it could be possible same group perpertuated the crime.

The illegal drug problem has since been identified as among IPPO's 'regular' concern. Supt. Efren Quintos, IPPO director said continous police action remains yet hampered by meager financial resources. Nevertheless, he stressed, his men are on the job and working to lessen if not eradicate the illegal drug situation.

In an interview over Bombo Radyo Tuesday evening, Supt. Quintos acknowledged that the northen town of Estancia is still being eyed as among the entry and transit points to the province. He added though that other illegal drugs could have been sourced from the city.