ESPINO BASHER — The report that President Duterte agreed to conduct further investigation into the NBP drug matrix that implicated former Governor and now Pangasinan Fifth District Congressman Amado Espino Jr. is a healthy sign that the President also listens and has a soft heart to reason. This after Congressman Espino saw Mr. Duterte in Malacanang and belied his involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the national penitentiary.

We, as all other Pangasinenses do, believe in the words of former Gov. Espino that he has nothing to do with the accusation being hurled against him as he has launched many crusades and records to show that he was really a drug fighter and abhors illegal drug too much.

Besides, how can anyone say that he is close to former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima, the principal character behind the drug ring at NBP if that really exists.

It was De Lima that made the life of Espino miserable by ordering the investigation of the murder complaint filed against him based only on the custom-made affidavit of a 16- year-old boy who claimed he overheard the conversation of a plot to kill the mayor, but which was eventually dismissed.

Politically, Espino is not identified with the Liberal Party that coddled De Lima in the last election as one of its senatorial candidates. In fact, the then vaunted LP closed its doors to Espino and his group which was why they almost were party-less if the Aksyon Demokratiko had not accommodated them at the last minute.

Also, the fact that the new Department of Justice and NBI officials are both denying the drug matrix came from them, may have spawned the suspicion that the matrix was drawn by an amateur player who may have just put one and two together without verifying the facts. He undoubtedly has access to the Palace or to some intermediaries to get even with Espino.

But the unseen Espino basher, who Board Member Raul Sison said is from Pangasinan, could be unmasked soon.

Meanwhile, the drug war continues in Pangasinan. A drug personality was shot dead by the police in Binalonan when he opened fire at the operatives about to serve a search warrant at his residence.

There were other shooting incidents perpetrated by unidentified suspects almost daily but no one can not be sure if these were connected with illegal drugs because in the past, even before President Duterte came to power, Pangasinan led other provinces in Region 1 in the number of shooting  incidents perpetrated by armed men riding on motorcycles in tandem. – Leonardo Micua

 

TELE-NOVELA — Suddenly, Urbiztondo became very popular. That’s courtesy not only of the extra special friendship between a senator and a driver-bodyguard-lover but because of the alleged involvement of three residents to the drug matrix released by President Duterte.

(But recall that Urbiztondo initially caught national attention during the administration of PNoy when his family friend and ally, then Mayor Jun Balolong, was shot dead).

The three residents are BM Raul Sison, Ronnie Palisoc Dayan and a certain Cardenoza.

BM Sison and Dayan are relatives.

Cardenosa is an employee at the Treasurer’s Office in the municipal government. Another source said she was on leave when last checked by a police officer possibly due to stress or lack of sleep because of the bombshell.

Cardenosa is a neighbor of Dayan in Barangay Galarin, Urbiztondo.

By the way, Mayor Martin Raul Sison surrendered his 9mm pistol with one magazine with 15 live ammunitions to the police on Aug. 7 to show support to the Chief Executive’s narco-war. (FYI, Mayor Sison is the son of Board Member Raul Sison).

“Yun lang sir?”  A reporter was heard asking a police officer. Was it merely for show? Who in his right mind would believe that a mayor like him owns only one gun? That’s incredible!

Anyway, if the matrix were a telenovela, it would be a certified blockbuster. The excitement builds up as days pass by. It has the complete ingredients for a successful drama anthology—love, passion, hatred, betrayal, suspense, a bit of comedy and yes, sex, too.

In fact, others think the drug matrix may even unearth personalities involved in the Balolong murder.

Then note:  All the other major characters have big following as well, from Sen. Leila de Lima, ex-DoJ Usec. Toti Baraan to Cong Amado Espino Jr.  Bit player would be former Bucor chief Franklin Bucayu.  Since each would have a story to tell, a national audience will be waiting with bated breath!

There are definitely more insider- stories but it would be a mortal sin to reveal them here now. It’s still premature. In the meantime, please maintain patience as this corner promises to give you juicy updates as the investigation unfolds.—Tita Roces

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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