Ex-drug pusher “surrenders” to Tommy

CEBU, Philippines - After two weeks in hiding due to reports that he will be killed for being involved in the illegal drug trade, a 42-year-old “former” drug pusher in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel went to Cebu City incoming Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday morning to clear his name.

Quirico Mangyao Jr., a resident of Sitio Lumar in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, said he abandoned his house and hid in different areas in the city, then stayed in his father’s house in Barangay Japitan, Barili town, before deciding to approach Osmeña.

“Nahadlok gyud ko kay dihang daghan na nga drug personalities nga napatay sa kapolisan, giingnan ko sa akong mga amigo nga basin ako maoy isunod,” said Mangyao, who was accompanied by Parian Police Station Chief Genilo Veraque to Osmeña’s house in Barangay Guadalupe.

Mangyao went into hiding even before suspected drug lord Jeffrey Diaz alias Jaguar was shot and killed by members of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG-7) and Regional Intelligence Division (RID) in Las Piñas City.

According to Mangyao, he started selling shabu sometime in 1998, but was arrested by the police in 2004 and was detained at the Cebu City Jail for seven years until his case was dismissed by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Samual Malazarte.

Mangyao claimed that after he was released from jail, he never went back to selling shabu. However, Mangyao’s name is still included in the list of drug personalities of the Parian Police Station.

Mangyao was hesitant to reveal names of his contacts when The Freeman asked him where he got his supply of shabu. “Ginagmay ra man ang akong paliton, tag usa ka bulto ra man unya akong i-repack,” Mangyao said.

Mangyao explained that in every pack of shabu (five grams), he earned around P1,500, which is enough to feed his family.

“Angay na gyud nga moundang na ta, mag-usab na ta kay tininuod na gyud ni ang kampanya sa atong gobiyerno,” Mangyao said, when asked for his message for others involved in the drug trade.

Osmeña said he admired Mangyao for his decision to stop his drug business and hopes that he will make true his promise of not returning to the illegal trade.  (FREEMAN)