Three arrested in Talisay buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Three men were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by Talisay City police operatives at Sitio Telepono in Barangay Manipis, Talisay City, Sunday evening.

Arrested were Joven Labajo, 22, a resident of Sitio Telepono, and his two cohorts Jigger Labitad, 39, a resident of Susana Compound, Sitio Molave, Barangay Tabunok and Marlon Rallos, 34, also a resident of Sitio Manipis.

Talisay police quickly formed a team to conduct the buy-bust operation after receiving reports from a concerned citizen about Labajo’s illegal drug trade in Sitio Telepono.

The three were arrested at Labajo’s residence where he reportedly conducts his illegal drug transactions. Labajo and his two cohorts reportedly operate a drug trade in mountain barangays not only in Talisay City but also in Cebu City and Toledo City.

Seized from Labajo were five triangular sachets and one medium-sized pack of suspected shabu, while another medium-sized pack and a .45 caliber pistol with three live ammunition were confiscated from Labitad.

Operatives recovered one Smith and Wesson .22 caliber revolver without serial number and five live ammunition as well as one colored plastic canister containing three triangular sachets of suspected shabu from Rallos.

According to Senior Police Officer 1 Erwin Carbonquillo, Labitad was in their drug personality list. Further checking revealed that Labitad has an outstanding warrant of arrest for selling of illegal drugs.

Furthermore, the operatives also received information that the three were also members of a gun-for-hire squad and that they were involved in several shooting incidents in Talisay City.

The total estimated weight of the confiscated drugs is 8.60 grams, valued at P29,240.00.

The three have been temporarily detained at Talisay City Police Station pending filing of appropriate charges.  — Amparo Leah Pagusara (FREEMAN)