Bacolod City councilor also implicated

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

During a birthday party for Vallacar Transit Inc. CEO Leo Rey Yanson at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City over the weekend, President Rodrigo Duterte alleged five Bacolod City police officers, including Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, of having links with illegal drugs.

The other law enforcement officials named include Police Superintendents Allan Macapagal, Richie Yatar, and Nasruddin Tayuan; along with Police Senior Inspector Victor Paulino.

In addition, Ebreo and Macapagal were formally summoned by Duterte and are expected at Malacañan Palace today.

In response to the allegations, Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, immediately had the five officers relieved from their respective posts and were reassigned to the Regional Police Holding and Accounting Unit while an investigation is conducted.

Police Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas will serve as Ebreo’s replacement and will serve as officer-in-charge.

The PRO-6 chief said he did not expect Ebreo to be named and speculated the possibility of false information being spread due to the former BCPO chief’s accomplishments against illegal drugs and illegal gambling.

Meanwhile, the president also named a Bacolod City councilor as “number four” on his narco-politicians list.

Watchmen Daily Journal has decided not to name the involved city councilor, pending their reaction to the allegations./DGB, WDJ