Jaguar’s successor in drug ring: Central Visayas drug lord turns self in

CEBU, Philippines - Franz Sabalones, allegedly the region’s second most wanted drug personality, surrendered himself to PNP director-general Ronald dela Rosa Sunday night and revealed that a high-ranking police official in Central Visayas is allegedly receiving P200,000 a week from a level 2 drug lord also based in the region.

Franz, the brother of San Fernando Vice Mayor Fralz "BB" Sabalones, reportedly admitted assuming control of the drug trade here after the death of Jeffrey "Jaguar" Diaz.

"Nasabi nya yung payola na binigay, kung magkano napupunta kay COP (chief of police) na ganito. Sinabi nya mga opisyales na involved," Dela Rosa said in Manila.

Quoting Franz, Dela Rosa said P200,000 went to a police colonel but could not say whether the money was shared with other officials.

"Hanggang colonel, binibigyan nya ng pera. Hindi nya alam kung may iba pa," he said, adding, "Baka mapatay ko yung colonel kapag nakita ko."

Franz was reportedly Diaz's underling but tried to pull away later to be independent.

"Now, gusto nyang lumaki yung kanyang negosyo, nag-try umiwas kay Jaguar at dumirekta kay Peter Co sa (National) Bilibid (Prison) para sa supply. Dumiretso na sa kanya. may nagpunta sa kanya na David Sy," Dela Rosa said.

"Every month, may SUV (sports utility vehicle) loaded with 10 kilos of shabu. Byahe by land para hindi masita papunta doon sa Cebu," he added.

The 10 kilos would reportedly end up at the parking area of a prominent mall where it will be distributed.

The Freeman is withholding the name of the mall pending comment.

"He is already at par with Jaguar as far as operations of drug trade in Central Visayas. He is ranked  No. 2… at par dahil hindi na sya dumadaan kay Jaguar," Dela Rosa said.

Cebu

In San Fernando, police chief Senior Insp. Diosdado Malazarte said he plans to meet with the vice mayor after Fralz' name was included on President Rodrigo Duterte's list of officials allegedly involved in narcopolitics.

Past midday last Sunday, the vice mayor went to the police station to clear his name.

He was already on leave even before Duterte's made the announcement early dawn Sunday.

For her part, San Fernando Mayor Lakambini "Neneth" Reluya said it would better for Fralz to go straight to Camp Crame in Manila.

She said she will seek for advice from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the best thing to do considering that Fralz plays a major role in the legislative process as vice mayor.

In a statement to The Freeman, DILG-7 Director Rene Burdeos said his office will wait for action the office of DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno will take as regards to the officials in government included on the President's list. Burdeos said he cannot preempt the action of the DILG secretary as it was Sueno whom the President ordered to take action on the matter.

Duterte himself warned local officials, including police officials and judges on his list, to surrender within 24 hours.

At the Capitol, Governor Hilario Davide III said authorities should file a case against the officials named as "narco-politicians" so they can have a venue to clear their names.

"Any public disclosure of this kind na dunay alleged involvement of some local chief executive, government or police officials, dapat sundan og kiha," he said.

 Davide said naming someone as narco-politician is very disturbing because it can ruin and affect the person's life and that of his or her family.

 "Lisod kaayo. They should be given the opportunity to clear their names kay importante man ang reputasyon sa tawo," the governor said. — Philippine Star News Service, Iris Mariani B. Algabre, Kristine B. Quintas and Brenna Rose M. Ibale, USJ-R Intern/JMO (FREEMAN)