Espinosa: The PNP will investigate such allegations

Following the recent killing of Barangay Bakhaw Captain Remia Prevendido-Gregori of Iloilo City’s Mandurriao district and Barangay Monica-Blumentritt Captain Keith ‘Dabing’ Espinosa III of the city’s City Proper district claiming to have received death threats, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III affirmed he would not offer assistance to barangay officials linked with illegal drugs.

“[With] drugs, I will not lift a finger,” he stated. “Indi ko magbulig (I will not help).”

Prevendido-Gregori was the sister of slain drug lord Richard ‘Buang’ Prevendido. She had also previously surrendered to police under “Oplan Tokhang” and has a son currently incarcerated on drug charges. With regard to the Barangay Monica-Blumentritt official, she was earlier found guilty of neglect and misconduct by the Iloilo City Council in connection to allegations of illegal drug links. In addition, her husband, Jesus, was reportedly linked to slain drug lord Melvin Odicta, Sr.

The mayor also noted he would not “pre-judge” an individual’s guilt and said he would leave it up to the Philippine National Police to investigate and bring charges forward if they have a case.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, confirmed there is a “case build-up” against the under-threat barangay official, but noted, “If she has no involvement in any illegal activities, especially illegal drugs, she has no reason to worry.”

Last May, the Barangay Monica-Blumentritt captain was re-elected, stating, “This victory is my answer to the issues hurled against me.”

“The people of my barangay have spoken,” she affirmed. “They continue to support me.”

Espinosa’s husband is currently detained at the Iloilo District Jail, where he is serving an eight-year sentence for frustrated murder./WDJ