PDEA agent probed over ‘drug pay’

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking into the claims of a high-value drug target that a PDEA agent is asking weekly drug payola from him.

PDEA-7 Regional Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz has challenged Christopher Canlobo to name the agent who has allegedly been receiving protection money from the drug personality.

Canlobo is a known bigtime drug pusher in Talisay City and is allegedly capable of disposing of one to two kilos of shabu every week, according to PDEA-7 Information Officer Earl Rallos.

Canlobo previously surrendered to the Talisay City police during the Oplan Tokhang. He is the brother of Senior Police Officer 3 Nestor Canlobo who is assigned at the headquarters of Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Ruiz said the agent will be sanctioned appropriately if proven guilty.

He also said grave punishment will be imposed against erring PDEA agents who will ruin the good reputation of his office.

In a related development, Ruiz refused to comment on the allegation of Canlobo that the P12 million worth of shabu seized from his wife and three others were planted.

On February 3, Canlobo eluded arrest but his wife, Luz, and three other cohorts were arrested by PDEA during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City. PDEA identified the other suspects as Pepito Joson, John Rey Suello, and Rey Suson.

Canlobo surrendered at CPPO on March 1, 27 days after escaping the buy-bust operation. He was accompanied by his brother SPO3 Canlobo. (FREEMAN)