Osmeña: Police need to step up anti-drug campaign

CEBU, Philippines - "They have to step up. They have to upgrade," Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said regarding the anti-illegal drug campaign of the police.

In light of the arrest of the sister of slain alleged drug lord Cresistomo "Tata Negro" Llaguno last Thursday afternoon in Barangay Sambag II, Osmeña said drugs will continue to be a major problem.

According to reports, Llaguno's sister, Ma. Victoria Llaguno, was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation - Region 7 at her fruit store after they conducting surveillance operations on her.

Tata Negro died in May 2010 after he was shot six times as he was campaigning to run as councilor for Cebu City North District during that year's election period.

Tata Negro's killer, Jimmy Diala admitted to killing Llaguno, saying he was ordered to kill the political candidate because he was a "drug lord."

Aside from the death of Tata Negro and the arrest of his sister, reports show two other relatives killed in shooting incidents that may also be drug-related.

Osmeña said he has been receiving daily reports on the progress of the anti-illegal drug campaign by Cebu City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Joel Doria.

Osmeña adds that though he questions some of President Rodrigo Duterte's moves, he still admires the president's stand against illegal drugs.

One thing Osmeña questioned is why National Police Commission-7 Director Homer Mariano Cabaral has not been relieved of his post.

Osmeña had previously questioned Cabaral's credibility after the latter allegedly failed to neutralize the late drug lord Jeffrey "Jaguar" Diaz, who was his neighbor in Barangay Duljo-Fatima. (FREEMAN)