DRUG SUSPECTS CAUTIONED. Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao (left), Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) director, on Monday (April 29, 2019) warns drug personalities of a 'bloody fight' if they ought to go against government operatives that curb proliferation of illegal drugs. He said they will 'suffer the same fate' with the 'drug lord' Leoner Jalandoon who was killed by the police Sunday morning at Barangay 6, Victorias City, Negros Occidental. (PNA/Photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) warned illegal drug personalities that they will "suffer the same fate" as Leoner Jalandoon, a drug lord who was killed in an encounter with the police, if they also try to go against government operatives.
"They (illegal drug personalities) may suffer the same fate if they ought to fight it out with the government. So, if that will be the case, it will still be a bloody fight," Police Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao, PRO 6 director, said in a press conference Monday.
Jalandoon, leader of the Jalandoon Drug Group, was killed after he fired at the police during a drug buy-bust operation on Sunday morning at Barangay 6, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
The PRO 6 classified Jalandoon as a High Value Target (HVT) Level 3. Previously arrested drug personalities identified Jalandoon as the source of illegal drugs sold in Negros Occidental and Panay area, Bulalacao said.
With the PHP2.7 million worth of shabu recovered from Jalandoon, Bulalacao said he is considered as one of the "drug lords" in the region.
Police recovered other drug paraphernalia, a .38-caliber revolver and one hand grenade.
Jalandoon's live-in partner, Janine Cruz, who helps the drug lord in his illegal drug transactions, was also collared by the police during the operation.
Cruz is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. (RA) 9165 for being caught in possession of and selling illegal drugs; possession of explosive; and RA 10591 for illegal possession of firearms. She is now under the custody of Victorias City Police Station.
Bulalacao noted that drug personalities do not fear whether they would be killed in police operations because "drug transactions is a lucrative business that promises high reward” and help them “sustain their lifestyle”.
Bulalacao assured the PRO 6 will continue its fight against illegal drugs with the HVTs at the top of their priority list. PRO 6 data shows that HVTs in the region totaled 642.
The list of the PRO 6 is being updated weekly because of the new discoveries of illegal drug personalities, he said. (PNA)
