Espenido targets Parojinog supporters

MANILA, Philippines — With the Philippine National Police (PNP) back in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, Ozamiz City police chief Superintendent Jovie Espenido has started going after suspects with links to the Parojinog clan.

“Tumira agad si Espenido, larga na (Espenido strikes again),” PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa told The STAR yesterday when asked when the PNP would formally resume its anti-drug operations.

Dela Rosa was referring to recent raids in Ozamiz that resulted in the confiscation of at least 10 kilos of shabu from the supporters of the Parojinogs.

Butch Merino, the alleged bodyguard and driver of detained Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog, was collared at a checkpoint.

Merino reportedly identified his supplier as Melden Rabanes, who was arrested in a follow-up operation.

Authorities also raided the houses of Maychell Gumapac; Manuelito, Rizalina and June, all surnamed Francisco, and Ricardo and Christopher, both surnamed Parojinog. The suspects eluded arrest, but various types of guns and ammunition and sachets of shabu were recovered from their houses.

Espenido led simultaneous raids on the houses of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog last July 30 that killed the mayor’s wife, brother and several of their supporters.

Dela Rosa gave assurance that members of drug rings could not interfere in police operations.

He said he would also seek recommendations from police chiefs to improve their operations.