As president, Roxas would become the top drug lord in the province –affidavit
By Paulo Loreto Lim
Detained former Barangay 35 Captain Manuel Huelar, who considers himself the incumbent community leader, recently filed an affidavit where he claimed Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s brother, Manuel ‘Manolet’ Lacson, is operating a “drug-selling kingdom” within the Sta. Clara Subdivision in Bacolod City.
Huelar claimed to know Lacson personally, saying he used to visit his home, which is next door to the vice governor’s residence, where they would use shabu and, at times, were accompanied by women who would trade their bodies for a gram of the illicit substance.
He said Lacson has a runner by the name of ‘Awing,’ who conducts transaction with clients, a routine the barangay captain said is an open secret within the subdivision.
Huelar claims the drug trade is how the Sta. Clara subdivision is maintained, as it is owned by the Lacson family.
In addition, Huelar noted, considering Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.; Negros Occidental fourth district Rep. Juliet Ferrer; and former Negros Occidental fourth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, who unsuccessfully ran for vice governor in 2016, live in the said subdivision, he claims they all have knowledge of the ongoing drug trade but have chosen to “close their eyes and ignore reports pertaining to Manolet Lacson’s involvement in [the] drug trade.”
He also said the Ferrers, who, despite living in Bacolod City, represent a legislative district that includes La Carlota City, failed to stop the proliferation of drugs in the city where the congresswoman served as mayor before 2016, claiming former La Carlota City Mayor Demi John Honrado is a prominent drug personality in the area.
Huelar went on to accuse the vice governor of being a drug addict himself, claiming an ability to identify traits as a former drug user, noting the provincial official displays characteristics of an addict, including a thin frame, dry skin, an inability to maintain eye contact, and dry mouth.
Huelar asserts it is the addiction that prevents the vice governor from taking action against his brother.
Watchmen Daily Journal tried to reach out to the vice governor, but as of press time he has not provided comment.
The document also makes mention of 2016 Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas, where Huelar claims, indicating the Lacson family’s close association with Roxas’ mother, Judy Araneta Roxas, the accused subdivision drug lord reportedly said, “If Mar Roxas would become president, he would become the number one drug lord in Negros Occidental.”
A recent affidavit released by former Berya drug group bagman Ricky Serenio claimed Roxas, alongside Senator Franklin Drilon and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, were behind a push to expand the network of slain drug lord Melvin Odicta, Sr. into Negros Occidental.
Huelar is currently detained after being apprehended, alongside Joshua Roberto Ignacio Arroyo, grandson of the late Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Arroyo, Jr., following a buy-bust operation conducted by the regional Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) towards the end of last year.
In his affidavit, he maintains his innocence regarding the current pending charges, and claimed his disclosures are intended to aid in the ongoing war on illegal drugs, as a way to “reform and make amends.”
Back in March of last year, he also posted bail after being served arrest warrants on robbery and carnapping charges./PLL, WDJ