By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected drug personality managed to escape Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives during a late Wednesday evening buy-bust operation at Purok Lampirong in Barangay 2, Bacolod City.

PDEA agents identified the target of the operation as Jonalyn Derla, a resident of the said area.

During the operation, Derla’s family and neighbors complained accused PDEA agents of taking personal belongings and forcibly entering homes.

In a radio interview with one of the residents, 70-year-old Gloria Gomez, Derla’s mother, claimed agents took her 13-year-old grandchild’s savings.

Another resident, 21-year-old Michael Guancha, claimed he was leaving his home when PDEA agents allegedly pointed their firearms at him.

In response, PDEA-Negros head, Agent Grace Cruz, denied the allegations, pointing out operatives did not confiscate any money during the operation.

She explained, securing nearby homes is standard operating procedure when they are conducting pursuit operations.

Cruz said they will be filing drug-related charges against Derla./DGB, WDJ