Alleged drug lord’s family thanks police

ILOILO CITY — The families of slain alleged drug lord Melvin “Boyet” Odicta Sr. and his wife Meriam Regalado extended gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for keeping the peace.

Barangay Captain Noel Odicta said this during the September 11, 2016 funeral for the couple in Iloilo City.

The village chief, who is also the younger brother of Melvin, particularly thanked PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa; Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles, director of Police Regional Office (PRO-6); and Senior Superintendent Remus Zacharias Canieso, chief of Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

After the Odicta couple was gunned down in Aklan province last August 29, the Odictas and Regalados expressed fear for their safety.

Police were deployed at Tanza Esperanza village during the wake and the funeral.

Employees extolled the husband and wife as kindhearted people who provided them with livelihood.

Taxi driver Jovy Lecita from Antique province said he is thankful to the Odictas for giving him a job that enabled him to send his children to school.

The couple had several businesses in Iloilo including a taxi fleet, van services for airport passengers, a restaurant, and a pawnshop.

Days before they were killed, the Odicta couple had met with Secretary Michael Sueno of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade, explaining that they had legitimate businesses providing enough income to support their lifestyle.

Several politicians and police officers named by President Rodrigo Duterte as alleged drug protectors were also reportedly linked to the Odicta couple.