Cebu 'drug lord' is a godfather to barangay folk

CEBU CITY - Though he gets his money allegedly through illegal means, suspected big-time drug trafficker Rogelio Desalago is considered a hero in Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

"Tatay Relio" is how Desalago is fondly called by most of the barangay residents because he easily doles out money to those who are in need.

Barangay captain Rodrigo Abellanosa said Desalago never failed to give donations to all 40 sitios of the barangay during fiesta celebrations.

"His name is always announced in the chapels, and is never absent among the list of sponsors in souvenir programs," Abellanosa said.

Aside from cash donations, Desalago also reportedly takes charge of the payment for discos, singing competitions and drama presentations.

Abellanosa said his constituents consider Desalago a savior when they are faced with financial problems during weddings, funerals and baptisms.

He said Desalago's generous deeds were precisely the reason why some residents stoned agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who raided Desalago's house last Thursday.

One resident, who requested anonymity, said they tolerated Desalago's illegal drugs business because they also benefit from it.

The resident admitted that Desalago even gave him capital for his store.

Abellanosa said Desalago apparently sought to gain the sympathy and protection of the residents.

Aside from the residents, Desalago is also reportedly being protected by policemen and barangay tanods who benefit from his generosity.

Desalago's brother-in-law, SPO4 Paul Moga of the San Nicolas police, nearly got into a shootout with the NBI raiders. He is allegedly among the protectors of Desalago.

Abellanosa said it is impossible for Moga not to have known his brother-in-law's illegal business considering that they live in the same compound.

"Of course, he knows. It is no longer a question of involvement but only a matter of timing, to find Moga in the place of the raid," Abellanosa said.

Abellanosa was the first to submit Desalago and Moga's names to then Rep. Antonio Cuenco, who exposed a list of alleged drug traffickers and their coddlers in 1997.

NBI agents found 334.5 grams of shabu worth about P668,000 during the raid on Desalago's house. More shabu was believed disposed off in a chamber pot and flushed into the toilet bowl.

Desalago and his wife Josephine eluded arrest as it took some time for the NBI agents to get into the double-fenced house.

Moga, who was in the area, allegedly pointed a gun at NBI agent Arnel Pura during the raid.

The NBI plans to file charges of obstruction of justice against Moga, while the regional police's internal affairs service will conduct a separate investigation. - Freeman News Service