Were 2,500 mourners paid to weep at funeral of drug lord Jaguar?

More than 2,500 people attended the funeral of notorious drug lord Jaguar in Cebu City on Monday.

Many were wearing black printed T-shirts with the photo of Jeffrey Diaz, aka, Jaguar, with the slogan “We Will Miss You.”

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Diaz was considered the number one drug lord throughout Central Visayas – he was killed in a shootout with police in Las Piñas City on June 17. At the time of his killing Jaguar was in possession of a half kilo of shabu.

Jaguar
The killing of the notorious drug lord known as Jaguar

People at the funeral procession agreed that “someone will definitely succeed Jaguar,” leaving many to suspect that President Duterte’s dream of eradicating drug crime in the country is simply a dream.

The hour-long procession caused major traffic backlogs before it reached V Rama Avenue in Barangay Calamba. Supporters were said to have completely taken over the entire right lane of the highway.

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With signs of love and endearment, along with white balloons – it is truly a sign that ‘Jaguar’ himself had many paid informants and followers. Several signs said he was in fact a hero, with other saying he always came around during Christmas giving out presents. Others said they received five kilos of rice from him every time they visited his house.

A mass was held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino where Diaz served as an altar boy in the 1970s.

Police Downplay Funeral Attendees

Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos Jr., city police chief, downplayed perceptions that those who joined the funeral were sympathizers who looked up to Diaz as their idol.

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Police also played down reports that those who joined the funeral procession received 500 to 800 pesos each. They (the police) also said that the large crowd went there for the money, not to sympathise. No report was available on the validity of the police department’s claim.

Police have agreed that someone from Jaguar’s clan will replace him as leader of the drug syndicate.