NAPOLCOM resolution baseless, irresponsible, fake? 17 TARLAC MAYORS THROW SUPPORT, VOUCH LACSON

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He is clean, he deserve our support.

By: Central Luzon News Center | Nelson Bolos

Thus, said the mayors of the province who signed a Resolution “expressing unequivocal support” to Concepcion town mayor Andy Lacson.

The local chief executives who comprise the League of Mayors of the Philippines, Tarlac Chapter (LMP-Tarlac), met in this town in a special meeting primarily to sign their resolution.

The resolution says, “most unthinkable and painful is when is suspected to have a hand on illegal drugs and much more when (this is) made public through print or media (news)”.

“The LMP-Tarlac resolution was made to manifest our support to mayor Lacson and (Camiling mayor) Erlon Agustin.

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) issued just recently its own resolution tagging 4 mayors of Central Luzon as “involved in illegal drugs trade/activity”.

Many here described the NAPOLCOM resolution as “baseless, a fake and a like”.
“We express our one hundred percent attestation to the fact that both mayors are with unquestionable integrity, honesty, credibility and dedication to good moral acts and deeds. We vouch that mayors Lacson and Agustin are God-fearing persons and we have high esteem for them ”, said the LMP-Tarlac.

Upon the release of the “controversial” NAPOLCOM resolution which stripped the mayors of their supervisory control over their respective police units, a large spontaneous “indignation rally” was held at the Concepcion plaza where speakers took turns in lambasting the NAPOLCOM and belied the commission’s accusation that Lacson was involved in drugs.

“As far as we know, (the mayors) were never involved in any crime, nor have been charged in court of law, nor have found protecting, cuddling or associating with unscrupulous persons”, also said the LMP.

LMP Tarlac president Moncada mayor Lita Aquino said, “It’s a big lie. We solidly stand behind him (Lacson)”.

While San Manuel Mayor Benjamin Tesoro lamented, “The allegation is very damaging to a very decent man (Lacson) who is too fragile to be involved in such a dirty trade (drugs). I don’t believe (the report). Never”

Meanwhile, the Vice-Mayors’ League of the Philippine (VMLP) Tarlac president Vice Mayor Danilo David of Concepcion said, “I personally know Andy since he was a kid. I can personally vouch that he is not into drugs. Politika lang ang rason kaya siya nadawit sa droga”.

David also revealed that the VMLP will also issue a resolution condemning the “baseless and irresponsible NAPOLCOM resolution” which identified Lacson as involved in drugs.

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PROTEST VS NAPOLCOM’S ORDER TO CONCEPCION MAYOR LACSON SNOWBALLS; ‘BIGGEST SPONTANEOUS' TOWN RALLY HELD

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Hustisya para kay mayor, mali ang akusasyon ng NAPOLCOM.
By: Central Luzon News Center | Nelson Bolos

These were some among the words shouted by the town folks who filled the municipal plaza in protest of the National Police Commission’s (NAPOLCOM) order against Mayor Andy Lacson.
This came as the support to the “beleaguered” mayor by other local leaders snowballs.

The NAPOLCOM recently issued a resolution tagging Lacson, along with the mayors of Angeles City, Subic, Zambales and Camiling, Tarlac, of involvement in illegal drugs and were stripped of their supervisory power over the local police

The October 30 NAPOLCOM resolution received by Lacson’s office last November 10 morning, says, “the (four) local executives have been identified as engaged in illegal drugs and hereby resolved to withdraw the deputation of Mayor Andy Lacson (and 3 other mayors) as NAPOLCOM representative”.

Under the law, the NAPOLCOM, being the organization directly supervising the PNP, deputize municipal mayors to exercise supervisory control over local police force.

A big lie.

Sought for comment, Moncada town Mayor Lita Aquino who is head of the League of Municipal Mayors of Tarlac said, “It’s a big lie. We solidly stand behind him and mayor Erlon (Agustin of Camiling). We (personally) know them as God-loving and God fearing people (and) of good moral character”.

For his part, San Manuel Mayor Benjamin Tesoro said, “The allegation is very damaging to a very decent man who is too fragile to be involved in such a dirty trade (drugs). I don’t belive (the report). Never.”

“We know him as a very decent person, principled, honest and strongly against drugs. We cannot believe he is into drugs. What is their basis in accusing him?”, said Father Mon Capuno, head of the Parish Pastoral Council of this town.

“Kilala namin siya mula bata pa siya. Alam namin na hindi siya gumamit, lalo na nagbenta, ng ano mang droga. Galit nag alit siya sa droga kaya walang basehan ang kanilang paratang”, said Barangay Sta. Rita Chairwoman Lydia Sampang.

The NAPOLCOM resolution, which was signed by DILG secretary Catalino Cuy, Atty Rogelio Casurao and 4 other commissioners including PNP chief PDG Ronald Dela Rosa, accused Lacson of being “engaged in illegal drug trade/activity”.

During the jam-packed prayer rally held at this town’s cathedral, Lacson branded the NAPOLCOM order as baseless and malicious.

“Napaka-unfair ng (order ng) NAPOLCOM, wala pa man imbestigasyon inakusahan na akong involved sa ilegal na droga. Mali ang report ng NAPOLCOM. Dapat nilang malaman na ako pa mismo ang nangunguna sa mga drug tests na isinagawa namin sa munisipyo. Galit na galit ako sa droga at ni minsan sa buhay ko hindi ako tumikim niyan”, Lacson said.

“Hindi po ito pag-laban sa pamahalaan kundi pangangailangan lamang na linisin ang aking pangalan. Biktima (po) ako ng paninira. Hinahamon ko sila (NAPOLCOM) na magpunta dito at personal nilang i-validate ang report. Kung mayroon po silang mai-haharap sa akin na kahit isang tao lamang na magsasabing ako ay gumamit o may aktibitad sa droga, magre-resign ako. Dapat din nilang malaman na suportado ko ang kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa droga”, Added Lacson.

He also lamented that in his 22 years in public service, it was the first time that he was accused in illegal activities.

The 39-year Lacson started his political career at age 18 when he was elected Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen. He went to be elected as municipal councilor and became a 3-term vice mayor. He is now serving his second term as mayor.

Barely a couple of months ago, Lacson received a special commendation from the PDEA region 3 Director Ishmael Fajardo for his “support to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs”.
The PDEA commendation came after the local police arrested 3 barangay councilors and 2 municipal employees for their involvement in illegal drugs.

In an FB comment on the issue, Jonathan Manalao said, “(this is) the Philippines biggest fake news I've ever heard. Akusasyon na walang basehan. Walang patas na imbestigasyon. Yan ang batas meron ang pilipinas. Ganyan karumi at kadaya ang batas ng Pilipinas. Mga high-end drug lords di makulong- kulong di mapatay-patay kasama na si Baste Duterte anak ni (Presidente) Rodrigo Duterte. Napakalungkot isipin na ang butihing anak na matulunging tao, mahusay at matalinong alkalde ng aming bayan ay sinangkot sa drug trade ng mga taong inggit at gahaman sa kapangyarihan.

Sought for comment, Tarlac Police Provincial Director PSSupt Ritchie Posadas revealed that, “adjudication is (now) being conducted by the national agencies” on the issue raised against Lacson.
Adjudication is a police term which means “the charge or issue is being reinvestigated”.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) headed by Vice Mayor Danilo David issued a Manifesto of Support.

Barangay Chairperson Evelyn Rivera revealed that the municipal Association of Barangay Chairmen also revealed that the 45 barangay councils of the town came out with their respective resolutions in support to Lacson.

In a separate interview, Rodrigo Mandapat, commented, “Ano ba ito, parang ‘yung pinabasa kay president (Rodrigo) Duterte na unang narco-list na kung saan yung isang judge na nakalista na actively involved sa droga ay matagal na palang patay? At ‘yung judge naman ay matagal na ring nagretire? Sinira nila ang reputasyon ni mayor, kailangan nilang itama ang maling akusasyon”.
More than 10,000 people attended the protest rally at the plaza which is claimed as the biggest “spontaneous rally” surpassing even the meeting de avance held during the last elections.
“Walang nag-invite sa kanila, walang program ang rally.

Nagprepare lang ng sound system sa plaza pagkatapos ng mass sa simbahan. Very natural ang support ng lahat ng tao kay mayor. Ito ang pinakamalaking rally dito sa plaza, mas malaki sa mga meeting de avance at lahat galit sa ginawa ng NAPOLCOM. Walang naniniwala na sangkot sa droga si mayor”, said councilor Reggie Dizon.

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MAYOR IN CONCEPCION, TARLAC DENIES DRUG LINKS, NAPOLCOM REPORT IS BASELESS

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Mayor Andres Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac, on Thursday branded as baseless the allegation that he was engaged in the illegal drug trade, which was the basis of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to strip him and 23 other local executives of police power.

"Hindi po tama 'yung report nila dahil kahit pumunta sila dito to validate for themselves, napakalayo sa personality ko, sa activity ko, 'yung sinasabi nila. Baseless po iyan kahit saan sila magtanong dito," Lacson said in a phone interview with GMA News Online.

He said there was no organized drug group in his city and those who deliver illegal drugs have already been arrested. He said even the city's chief of police can attest that he is not involved in illegal drugs.

Lacson admitted that he was hurt with the Napolcom resolution linking him to illegal drugs.
"Para nila kaming pinatay na walang honor. Iyong mga taong hindi kami kilala [ay] hindi na mababawi sa kanila 'yung masamang impresyon," he said.

He added that in his many years in public service, it was the first time that he was linked in illegal activities.

"First time akong na na-involve sa fiasco sa ganito pa. Nagsimula akong youth leader sa SK (Sangguniang Kabataan), councilor, vice mayor for three terms, at second term ko na sa pagka-mayor ngayon, never akong na-involved sa ganyan," he said.

He asked the Napolcom to validate their information again.

"Pumarehas lang sana sila, mag-validate sila hindi kami natatakot kahit kalkalin nila ang buong buhay namin," Lacson said.

He asked if his inclusion on the list was because Concepcion, Tarlac, is the hometown of the former President Benigno Aquino III.

Lacson said he will write a letter to the Napolcom, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Philippine National Police to clear his name.

The Napolcom resolution stated that after continuous validation by the intelligence agencies concerned, the local chief executives, including Lacson, have been identified as engaged in illegal drug trade or activity.

"The exercise of the duties, obligations, powers, and prerogatives vested unto the foregoing local chief executives as Napolcom deputy under Section 51 (b) of RA 6975 as amended are hereby suspended accordingly," the resolution said.

"Based on the consistent pronouncements made by our Chief Executive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs, the involvement of a local chief executive in illegal drug activity constitutes an act inimical to national security."

The resolutions said the alleged involvement in illegal drugs of the local officials negated the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign and thus serves as a valid ground for suspension or withdrawal of deputation of Napolcom representatives.

This article originated by: GMA News

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Pusher Killed In Action " Top Drug Personality" In Paniqui, Tarlac

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HE IS READY TO KILL
By: Central Luzon News Center | Nelson Bolos

Paniqui, Tarlac - Thus, said PSupt Joel Mendoza as he described the killing of a drug pusher in Barangay Abogado.

In his report to Tarlac Police Director PSSupt Ritchie Posadas, Mendoza identified the slain “top drug personality” as Richard Fernandez (AKA Reggie), 38.

“Pag-abot niya (Fernandez) ng shabu at dadakmain na sana siya ng poseur buyer, binaril niya agad ito. Buti na lang naka-ilag ang pulis ko. ”, said Mendoza, this town’s police chief.

Fernandez is listed among this town’s Top 10 Drug Personalities.

A source said Fernandez went into hiding for months when the “intensified anti-illegal drugs operation was launched” but recently returned here and continued his selling of shabu and marijuana.
Mendoza said the entrapment happened right inside the house of Fernandez.

The police of this town hugged the news recently when an Aglipayan priest belonging to a faction of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) was arrested here also for peddling shabu.

Randy Valdez, officiating priest of the Philippine Independent Catholic Church (PICC) in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, along with Mike Raven Quinto of Barangay Poblacion Sur here, and Camille Franilla, 23, of Barangay Poblacion Norte, also from this town, were nabbed in buy-bust operation last week.
“Alam na ng mga pusher ngayon na seryoso ang kampanya namin laban sa droga, kaya handa silang pumatay at mamatay. Na-tokhang na siya noon pero hindi siya nagbago”, also said Mendoza.
An unmarked cal. .38 pistol, 10 sachets of marijuana and a sachet of shabu were recovered from Fernandez.

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CAMILING’S SHABU ‘QUEEN’ AND 3 OTHERS, BUSTED

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Queen no more.
By: Central Luzon News Center | Nelson Bolos

This was said by PCInsp. Jim Tayag on the arrest of a “notorious drug dealer” Ma. Lourdes Lontoc y Lao, aka “Malou”, 45, of Barangay Cacamilingan Norte and 3 of her “wards” last Wednesday.

In his reports to Tarlac police provincial director PSSupt Ritchie Posadas, Tayag revealed the other suspected pushers arrested as Omar Benitez y Castro, 36, of Brgy Cacamilingan Norte, Frederick Quintos y Hubay AKA “Dagul”, 46, of Zamora St., Poblacion C, Julieta Maceda y Lao, aka “Julie”, 21, of Purok 5, Cacamilingan Sur.

“We have been monitoring Malou, the shabu queen, madulas at maingat siya pero finally nakuha rin namin siya”, said Tayag.

According to another police source, Lontoc is a “prominent shabu distributor not only here but also in Sta. Ignacia, Paniqui, Gerona and Tarlac City. She gets her shabu somewhere in Metro Manila”.
According to the same source, Lontoc is fondly called “Reyna” because of her being a longtime illegal drug peddler.

In an interview, Lontoc admitted to have been into drugs for more than 20 years.
Tayag also disclosed that Lontoc was previously arrested at her residence in Tarlac City last May but was released upon posting bail.

“Dati sa Barangay Matatalaib (Tarlac City), then lumipat sa Paniqui at ngayon dito naman siya nakatira at nagdi-deal ng Shabu”, said Tayag.

Lontpc's "wards" Benitez was nabbed at the 2nd floor of Camiling Public Market in a separate buy-bust while Quintos was entrapped at Barangay Palimbo Caarosipan.
Maceda was driving the motorcycle when Lontoc was arrested.

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PDEA 3 COMMENDS TOWN’S ANTI-DRUGS FEATS; CONCEPCION NOW NO. 1 IN ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN

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Concepcion, Tarlac - - Good deeds do not go unnoticed.

By: Central Luzon News Center | Nelson Bolos

This was the remark when Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA) Region director Ismael G. Fajardo Jr., Ph.D made a surprise visit here and bestowed plaques of commendation to this town’s police station and the town's Mayor.

In simple ceremonies held in front of the municipal hall, Fajardo extolled PSupt Luis Ventura and Mayor Andy Lacson for their “exemplary accomplishments in line with the government’s intensive campaign against illegal drugs specifically the arrest of 4 High Value Targets (HVT)”.
Elected public officials and government employees and businessmen suspected of involvement in illegal drugs are listed by the police as HVT.

Fajardo mentioned the “commendable” arrest of 2 barangay councilors and 2 municipal employees who were all apprehended selling shabu in separate buy-bust operations.
Last week, Ventura led the arrest of 2 municipal employees Abel Datu, 50, of Barngay San Nicolas Poblacion and Armando Pamintuan, 51, of Barangay Green Village, who both sold shabu to policemen poseur buyers.

Barely a month ago, Ventura’s police team also successfully entrapped Barangay Councilors Daniel Quilala of Barangay Alfonso and Noel Sanches of Barangay Sta. Rita.

“We owe our accomplishments (in anti-illegal drugs) to the people of Concepcion especially to Mayor Lacson. Without the mayor’s and the people’s cooperation and support, we cannot do much”, said Ventura.

For his part, Lacson disclosed that, from number 5, this town’s police is now number 1 in terms of accomplishments in the anti-drug campaign of the provincial police office.

“PD (Tarlac Police Provincial Director PSSupt Ritchie Posadas) personally told me that we are No. 1 in the anti-illegal drugs campaign and this is due to the dedication and perseverance of our policemen under the leadership of Superintendent Ventura”, Lacson said.

PSInsp Aquino Bayangan, deputy chief of police, and Ventura received the plaques from Fajardo.
In less than 4 months, Ventura has caused the arrest of 82 persons for drug related offenses. 

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Trike driver arrested for marijuana, shabu in Mayantoc, Tarlac

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Mayantoc, Tarlac - - Small towns now target of drug suppliers?

By: Central Luzon News Center

This question came as this town’s police arrested a tricycle driver possessing marijuana and shabu at a check point in Barangay Rotrottooc on July 12, 2017 (Wednesday).

In his report to Tarlac Police Provincial Director Ritchie Medardo Posadas, PInsp Romulo Quibuyen identified the apprehended trike driver as Roderick Arpa y Castro, 47, of Barangay Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac.

Quibuyen disclosed Arpa was apprehended after he tried to evade a police check point and was found in possession of 3 sachets of shabu and 2 sachet of marijuana.

“For the past several months, we have no known drug pusher here until we arrested him (Arpa) in our checkpoint. We are now re-assessing the situation to determine if other pushers have infiltrated our municipality”, said Quibuyen.

This town is a “remote but a very peaceful 3rd class municipality” lying in the hinterlands of the Zambales Mountain Range west of Tarlac province. It has around 33,000 registered voters.
It is very seldom that there are detainees at the police station detention cells.

“We have no idea that he was carrying illegal drugs. But when we arrested him for trying to run away from our checkpoint, he yielded marijuana and shabu”, added Quibuyen.

Upon being accosted, Arpa yielded 3 plastic sachets of Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu) with a total weight of 1.758 grams and 2 sachets of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) weighing 3.134 grams.

Arpa, however, refused to reveal his source nor the people to whom he will deliver the illegal drugs.
After being submitted for inquest at the Tarlac Provincial Prosecutors office, Arpa was committed at the Camiling Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Arpa, who is a native of San Carlos City, Pangasinan, was charged of violation of Section 11 of RA 9165 (possession of illegal drugs).

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