23 nabbed in separate anti-drug operations

CEBU, Philippines - At least 23 people, including a barangay tanod from Getafe, Bohol, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Cebu over the weekend.

The arrests were made by the operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7, City Intelligence Branch, and Talisay City Police Station.

PDEA-7 nabbed at least eight suspected drug personalities on Friday during a buy-bust operation along A. Lopez Street, Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.

 Leia G. Albiar, public information officer of PDEA-7, identified the suspects as Gerald Botero alias Shawlen Botero, 20, and his father, Orencio alias Oryong, 55, a barangay tanod of Jandayan Sur, Getafe, Bohol.

Gerald was the subject of the buy-bust operation around 10 p.m. on Friday. During the operation, Oryong, and five others —  William Paul Cuevas, 34; Ronelo Largado, 27; Christian Conejo, 25; Leonard Cuevas, 23; and Rave Bello, 22 — were found inside the drug den.  

PDEA-7 operatives seized at least 67 grams of shabu worth P402,000 and several drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

Another suspect, Imelda Arroyo, 48, was also arrested selling a pack of dried marijuana leaves to narcotics agents near Gerald's house. Seized from Arroyo were eight packs of marijuana leaves worth P4,000 and the P500 buy-bust money.

Albiar said that criminal complaints for selling illegal drugs will be filed against Gerald and his father while the rest of the accused will be charged for visiting a drug den. Arroyo, on the other hand, will be charged for selling marijuana.

Meanwhile, operatives of the City Intelligence Branch arrested 13 people during buy-bust and saturation drive yesterday dawn in Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.

 Rafael Rivera, 36; Jennikalinz Wannemacher, 22; Hector Rivera, 53; Iris Alegado, 18; Julius Cabellon, 35; Jason Ortiz, 21; Junalyn Laporre, 25; Aldrin Dayondon, 42; Wilfredo Dayonot, 48; Dennis Delariarte, 45; Marvin Alicabo, 32; Aldie Debalso, 26; and Jeffrey Bacasol.

 CIB operatives received information about ongoing illegal activities at Sitios Buli, Plastican, Duco, and Micabaja in Barangay Duljo Fatima. Acting on the information, Senior Inspector Narrolf Tan instructed his men to validate the report.

 At about 2 a.m. yesterday, the operatives conducted buy-bust operation against Rivera resulting in his arrest. The other suspects were arrested for alleged possession of dangerous drugs, except for Dayondon, Dayonot, Delariarte, Alicabo and Debalso who were nabbed for illegal gambling.

Bacasol reportedly has pending arrest warrant before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 4 in Cebu City for illegal gambling.

In Talisay City, a mother of four was arrested Friday dawn for alleged possession of marijuana sticks.

Police operatives were on preventive patrol in Sitio Mananga 1, Barangay Tabunok, when they saw the suspect in possession of 35 sticks of marijuana. She is now detained at the Talisay City Police Station pending the filing of charges in court for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165.

Another suspected drug pusher, Junifer Yosores, 38, resident of Mansueto Drive, Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City, was also arrested Friday during a buy-bust operation. The police seized P83,600 worth of shabu from his possession.  (FREEMAN)