28 drug-linked killings, but no death squads

BACOLOD CITY — The police has recorded 28-drug-related deaths in Negros Island, after Oplan Double Barrel was launched here in July last year.

Negros Oriental province has the most number of drugrelated killings with 15, followed by Negros Occidental with nine, and Bacolod City with four.

Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, Bacolod City Police Office director, debunked claims that the series of killings in Bacolod City may have been perpetrated by a death squad.

“There are no death squads nor state-sponsored policemen-existing in Bacolod City, following the recent ambush-slay of a former policeman linked to the illegal drug trade,” Wanky said.

Killed in the ambush was former PO2 Federico Nicolas, who used to be assigned with BCPO, while injured was PO1 Wilmer Bansag, and his 17-year-old son.

Of the 28 killed, they died in legitimate police operations after they resisted arrest and shot it out with policemen, according to the police.

There were 403 other incidents of killings in Negros Island, from July last year to August 3 this year, but these were not related to drugs, the police said, and have been classified as “deaths under investigation (DUI).”

On the recent killings, at least the ones who were killed were dubious personalities, unlike before when those who were gunned down were just victims of drugs, Wanky said.

Records of the Police Regional Office in Negros showed that more than 32,800 drug personalities also surrendered to the police, in line with its Oplan Double Barrel campaign.

Senior Supt. Romeo Mangwag, chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division, in his briefing with members of the Regional Advisory Council this week, disclosed that hundreds of the surrenderers availed themselves of the Wellness Program of various local government units.

The launching of Project Double Barrel Reloaded in Negros Island, from March to August 21 this year, also resulted in the apprehension of 717 drug pushers, 349 drug users, and six other minors.

It also led to the recovery of 1.208 kilos of shabu, and 5.76 grams of dried marijuana leaves, all with a total market value of P31 million.

Of the arrested suspects under the DBR campaign, 459 of them were apprehended by NOCPPO, 374 others by the NORPPO, and 239 by the BCPO.