By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent clash between police and suspected members of a drug group in Manapla, which resulted in four fatalities, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, renewed his warning to those associated with the illegal drug trade and called for them to cease their illicit activity.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod yesterday morning, Baleros said the recent deaths of Alson Aguirre and Rusty Poja Constantino should serve as examples as to what could happen if they do not stop.

The NOPPO director said the entire police force is prepared to chase down big drug personalities in order to stomp out the problem of illegal drugs.

Baleros also believes there are still several big drug personalities as, based on recent drug confiscations, illegal drugs continue to enter the province.

Last Monday, Aguirre and three others, identified as Melo Flores, Ruben Pinoy, and Renante Sombero were killed after they fought off Manapla Municipal Police Station anti-drug operatives in the town’s Barangay Sta. Teresa.

Police also arrested 55-year-old Honorio Española for allegedly serving as the group’s lookout and for carrying a .45 caliber pistol.

Cops recovered two .45 caliber pistols, four loaded .45 caliber magazines, 27 .45 caliber bullets, a weighing scale, mobile phone, and 171 grams of suspected shabu.

Also recovered from the crime scene were an M16 assault rifle, a KG9 submachine gun, .38 caliber revolver, and M3 grease gun.

The value of the seized illegal drugs was P1.3 million./DGB, WDJ