13 nabbed while in drug session in Talisay City

CEBU, Philippines - Thirteen people were arrested Friday by the joint operatives of the Talisay City Police Station, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

The suspects were identified as Whamrick Pacaldo, 29; James Dean Bacasmas, 25; Filiciano Cabo, 50; Nassef Tindug, 37; Christopher Moya, 29; and Ashely Villarmino, 19, all residents of Barangay Tabunok; Gerlito Libradilla, 27, of Barangay Lawaan, Talisay City; Ian Alverio, 28, of Pamotan, Cebu City; and Rolando Amnace, 38, of Lower Mohon, Talisay City; Fidel Arnoco 24, of Barangay Tanke, Talisay City; Jerson Cabuenas, 32, of Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City; Frederico Gonzales, 26, resident of Tunghaan, Minglanilla; and Oliver Abaquita, 30, resident of Barangay Colon, City of Naga.

Another suspect, Jigger Labitad, was able to elude arrest while trying to shoot it out with the members of the raiding team. Labitad allegedly fired upon the operatives but missed.

PO3 Junyl Ater, desk officer of Talisay City Police Station, said the suspects were caught having a drug session during a saturation drive in Sitio Molave, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

The police recovered 37 small sachets of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia. There were also two live rounds of ammunition recovered from one of the suspects.

The suspects are now detained at the Talisay City Police Station and will be charged with violation of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Although he was able to escape, Labitad will be included in the filing of the criminal complaint. (FREEMAN)