Koronadal’s 3rd most wanted drug trafficker falls

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines - Policemen finally caught on Monday the elusive third most wanted drug trafficker in South Cotabato province after more than a dozen operations he conveniently eluded with the help of cohorts.

John Aquinan, most known in Koronadal City and nearby South Cotabato towns as “Nog-Nog,” has five pending criminal cases in local courts, which include vending of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and illegal possession of explosives.

Aquinan operated a drug ring distributing shabu in far-flung areas in Koronadal City and adjoining municipalities.

He was arrested by combined operatives of the local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with the help of informants who led them to his exact location.

Aquinan and his companion, Prudencio Falalimpa, voluntarily yielded fragmentation grenades, several sachets of shabu and drug sniffing paraphernalia to the lawmen that caught them in a raid at their hideout.

Investigators will use the Mark 2 and M67 grenades the duo turned in as evidence in another criminal case to be filed against Aquinan.

Judge Roberto Ayco of Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Surallah town in South Cotabato had issued several warrants for the arrest of Aquinan long before his arrest last Monday.