ILOILO City – The Bingawan, Iloilo police are currently investigating allegations that a municipal and a barangay official have been receiving “drug protection money.”
The allegations arose following the arrest of a drug suspect.
Bingawan police chief, Lieutenant Ryan Christ Inot, confirmed the ongoing investigation but refrained from disclosing any names.
On Nov. when Bingawan police apprehended Menandro Gelilang, 44, in an anti-drug operation.
Gelilang, originally from Capiz province and residing in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, was found in possession of P2.4 million worth of shabu.
During interrogation, Gelilang claimed his group was financially supporting a municipal and a barangay official through “drug protection money.”
Further investigations revealed that Gelilang had links with Crismark Blancaflor, another drug suspect.
Blancaflor was arrested in Hacienda Sta. Ana, Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, with P13.7 million worth of shabu.
Meanwhile, the local chief executive of Bingawan is appealing to his constituents to stay away from illegal drugs.
“Avoid association with the drug suspect or receiving protection money. Act as role models to the people of Bingawan,” said Mayor Mark Palabrica./PN
