Central Visayas Cop Chief Says War Against Drugs ‘Long, Bloody’

Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, has said the war against illegal drugs is “long and bloody.”

“We must be ready for this long and bloody war against illegal drugs,” Comendador said.

“Reputations will be tarnished,” he said, reacting to some negative comments after PRO 7 operatives killed suspected big-time drug lord Jeffrey “Jaguar” Diaz and his bodyguard Paul Vincent Morales in a shootout in Las Piñas City on Friday night, June 17.

Comendador defended his personnel who conducted the operation in the midst of insinuations the operation against Diaz was conducted to stop him from squealing on his protectors.

Diaz earlier sent feelers to surrender when President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, whose campaign includes wiping out illegal drugs, assumes office.

Before Diaz was killed in Las Pinas City, PRO 7 operatives also killed suspected drug lord Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria and two of his underlings in a gunfight in Banacon Islet, Getafe, Bohol last May 28.

Secretaria was based in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City while Diaz had lived for years in a gated compound in Barangay Duljo Fatima, also in Cebu City.

Comendador said they will continue their operations against illegal drugs and all other criminals.

“We will continue to pursue and neutralize drug lords and other criminals, through legal means,” he said.

Comendador also brushed aside insinuations the police are extra active in the campaign against illegal drugs because he wants to avoid being transferred to another unit.

“I come from here and as a Cebuano, it is my responsibility to make this place safe. I am not holding on to any position. If that is how others look at me, if they are going to relieve me, it’s fine with me,” he said. (PNA) LAP/EB/EBP