The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 is tracking the properties of suspected big-time drug lords in Central visayas so these can be forfeited in favor of the government, an official said.

Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr., PRO 7 director, said he had directed Supt. Henry Biñas of the intelligence and investigation division to form a team to track down the properties and money of suspected big-time drug personalities operating in the region.

Biñas said they would tap the Anti-Money Laundering Council to help them in the investigation.

The properties will be turned over to the government if the properties are forfeited.

The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) 7, Regional Intelligence Division, the legal service unit and the chiefs of Investigation and Detective Management Branches from other police units comprise the panel of investigators.

“Under the money laundering law, there are forfeiture proceedings,” said Biñas, RIDMD 7 chief.

But Binas said they might have difficulty acquiring properties of suspected big-time Cebu drug lords Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria and Jeffrey “Jaguar” Diaz, who were both killed in a shootout with police in separate operations.

Biñas said they would still conduct an investigation to determine if their properties and money came from illegal sources.

“We will find ways to determine drug traders’ properties even if these are registered in other names,” he said.

Police received reports that Diaz owned eight houses in Manila and other properties in Cebu, while Secretaria has a big house in Banacon Islet in Getafe, Bohol.

Alvaro “Barok” Alvaro, an alleged big-time drug dealer in Cebu Province, surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation 7 in Bohol last Tuesday afternoon.

He has several properties, including a beach resort in Catmon town in northern Cebu.

Other drug personalities are also included in the investigation.

Their bank accounts and possible legitimate business ventures will also be checked. (PNA)