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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Police probes alleged death of W. Visayas' top drug leader

Police probes alleged death of W. Visayas' top drug leader

Published Oct 12, 2021 12:41 pm

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is trying to verify if the top drug leader of Western Visayas region has died from COVID-19.

Mugshot of Ernesto “Erning” Mendoza Bolivar. (IPPO/Manila Bulletin)

Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, chief of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said reports surfaced that Ernesto “Erning” Mendoza Bolivar is an alleged COVID-19 fatality while hiding as a fugitive in Metro Manila.

Police also received information that preparations are underway for a typical wake at Bolivar’s home in Pototan town.

“But without a death certificate, we cannot officially confirm it,” Gorero told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.

To recall, both the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP tagged the Iloilo-based Bolivar as the top drug leader in Western Visayas following the deaths of two alleged drug lords Melvin “Boyet” Odicta Sr. and Richard “Buang” Prevendido in August 2016 and September 2017 respectively.

Aside from illegal drug trade, Bolivar is also believed to be the leader of gun-for-hire activities and robberies.  His group mostly operated in central and northern parts of Iloilo province as well as neighboring Capiz province.

Bolivar had several warrants of arrest including an alleged murder charge that was later settled.

In November 2016, Bolivar escaped during a police buy-bust operation. 

Bolivar also had a separate warrant in a 2017 operation conducted by PDEA.

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