Two arrested, one escapes drug bust in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - Two were arrested including a minor in a raid operation at Sitio Magay, Barangay Tangke, Talisay City around 7:10 p.m. on Saturday, while the main subject of the raid evaded capture.

Police were conducting the operation in order to serve a warrant of arrest against an identified drug personality named Raymond Gaviola for violating Section 5 Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 (Illegal possession of drugs) issued by Judge Jacinto Fajardo Jr. of Regional Trial Court Branch 66.

Talisay City police earlier received reports from concerned citizen that Gaviola had been seen in the area operating an illegal-drug trade.

Police Officer 3 Christopher Cesa of Talisay City Police Station said that during the operation, Gaviola was quick to notice the presence of police and was able to elude arrest.

Two of Gaviola’s cohorts, Andre Layaog, 18, and a 16-year-old minor were caught and arrested by police

Gaviola allegedly dropped 16 packs of suspected shabu as he made his escape from the area.

The minor has been referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for a discernment report, while Layaog has been detained at the holding cell of the Talisay City Police Station pending the filing of charges against him.

Meanwhile, police will be conducting further investigation to determine Gaviola’s whereabouts for a possible arrest. —/JBB (FREEMAN)