By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Negros Occidental fourth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday said he plans to file charges against former Barangay 35 Captain Manuel ‘Maui’ Huelar next week, after being named, alongside his wife, incumbent fourth district Rep. Juliet Ferrer, in an affidavit regarding an alleged drug trade within the Sta. Clara Subdivision in Bacolod City.

He noted, their legal team, led by Atty. Arnel Lapore, are still deciding if they will pursue libel or perjury charges.

The 2016 candidate for Negros Occidental vice governor added, former La Carlota City mayor Demi John Honrado is also planning to file charges after being named in the legal document.

Last week, Huelar accused Ferrer, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of being aware of the supposed drug operation.

Ferrer and Marañon questioned the timing of the affidavit release, citing those being linked to illegal drugs are potential gubernatorial candidates in 2019; along with the release coinciding with the visit to Bacolod City by President Rodrigo Duterte last Sunday.

Lacson also denied the allegations and characterized Huelar as a “mercenary” and a “loose cannon.”

Huelar is presently detained at the Handumanan District Jail in Bacolod City after he was apprehended by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last year./DGB, WDJ