Llaguno supporters belie drug connection to shooting

CEBU, Philippines - Supporters of slain congressional candidate Crisostomo Llaguno alias Tata Negro cried foul over reports that his death had something to do with drugs.

“Dili na tinuod nga drug-related. His death is politically-motivated,” said Llaguno’s campaign manager Ramon Resma.

Resma also denied that Llaguno, an independent candidate for councilor in Cebu City north district, owes P15 million to a drug supplier representing the sale of drugs.

“Kung tinuod nga adunay siyay P15 milyones nga utang, dili kaha na siya magtago-tago? But he is open to the people, nidagan pa gud og konsehal,” Resma contended.

Llaguno is the alleged drug lord linked to Vice Mayor Michael Rama who is now running for Cebu City mayor. Rumors have spread that Llaguno was killed to “silence” the issue that Rama is coddling a drug lord.

Resma is urging the National Bureau of Investigation for an in-depth investigation into Llaguno’s killing.

Former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña echoed the call in his online blog, saying Llaguno’s death might just be one of the vigilante killings that remain unsolved.

“There were 200 vigilante killings in Cebu at the time of Tommy Osmeña. None were solved. Now, with the killer of Tata Negro easily nabbed and his motive said to be drug related, why were the police not so quick with the vigilante killings?” Osmeña said.

In a letter to NBI Regional Director Medardo Delemos, Osmeña said “at this stage, I don’t have concrete evidence, but it is apparent that there is an extensive ring which enjoys protection from high local government officials.”

“Over the past years, 40 people got killed in vigilante rob outs all over the city. No one was brought to justice and to this day, no one knows the mastermind. I am afraid that the police in the city cannot be trusted, therefore, the request that you take over the investigation,” reads Osmeña’s letter to Delemos.

Osmeña, who recently withdrew his bid for mayor, also questioned who could possibly benefit from Llaguno’s “removal” from the race. —  THE FREEMAN