CEBU, Philippines - People have trooped to the mausoleum of alleged drug personality Jeffrey “Jaguar” Diaz in Calamba, lighting candles, bringing flowers, and offering prayers.
Diaz was killed in a police operation in Las Piñas City last June but his friend, Jeffrey Astillo, told The Freeman it was Diaz’ goodness that he cannot forget.
“Dili gyud nako siya makalimtan kay matinabangon man siya nga tawo ug walay pili ilabi na ngadto sa nanginahanglan,” he said.
“Ako kuya gyud iyang amigo kaayo… pagkamatay sa ako kuya, giisip usab mi niya nga higala ug igsuoon,” he added.
Astillo recalled the time when his daughter had to undergo caesarian operation and Diaz reportedly helped them financially.
“Ako dili makalimtan, kadto tabang niya sa ako anak nga na-caesarian… dako baya kaayo na og gasto, andam man gyud siya motabang basta tinarong lang usab ang imong pagpangayo og tabang,” he shared.
The visits to Diaz’s mausoleum continued even after it was already closed.
A group of children ages 10 to 12 years old lighted candles outside the structure. They told The Freeman they missed having Diaz around because he would reportedly sponsor activities during fiesta, which made it always fun.
The children also said they would miss receiving coins from Diaz come Christmas time.
Astillo, for his part, said he can only hope that the people Diaz had hurt can forgive him because no one is perfect.
“Ning pagsaulog sa Adlaw sa mga Santos ug Kalag, maoy akong pangindahay nga mapasaylo si Diaz sa iyang mga sala nga nahimo ug mapasaylo usab kini sa mga tawo tungod kay wala may tawo nga perpekto kay ang tanan aduna man gayuy mga kasal-anan,” he said. (FREEMAN)