Village chief denies receiving money from drug lords
Duron
Iloilo City -- Barangay Capt. Jorge Duron of Brgy. Bakhaw, Mandurriao denied receiving any drug money from alleged drug lords operating in his barangay. He said the report implicating him in the illegal drug trade is only a 'character assassination' employed by his detractors.
Duron along with SPO4 Fred Blones, deputy precinct commander of the police precinct 1 who resides in Brgy. Bakhaw, allegedly receives protection money from the drug lords. The allegations were contained in an anonymous letter sent to Councilor Erwin Plagata then read in last week's regular session.
Apart from the two, the anonymous letter sender also alleged that the cops assigned at the Task Force Bakhaw have already become ineffective.
Duron theorized that the report is only a 'political maneuvering' from people he might have stepped upon in the performance of his duties. He said the report which claimed that he has a big house in Molo already cropped up in the last barangay election. He denied having said big house.
In an interview, Duron also clarified that Task Force Bakhaw has been effective in its campaign against illegal drugs. He said, illegal drug operations in his area was neutralized with the presence of the task force.
Records obtained by The News Today showed that the last apprehension of the task force was on October 10, 2005.
Arrested were Ronnie Azucena and Rodolfo Nocolas. Suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia were seized from their possessions. When the issue broke out, they have arrested a suspected female pusher and a taxi driver in Bakhaw. Gustilo could not be reached for comment regarding their accomplishment report.
However, Duron expressed confidence with Task Force chief, Chief Insp. Julio Gustilo. He said, he still believes in the 'honesty and capability' of Gustilo and his men.