2 fall for drugs, firearms in raid

CEBU, Philippines - A level-two drug pusher and his ‘right hand’ were nabbed during a raid conducted by the Regional Public Safety Batallion and the Argao City Police in Barangay Poblacion, Argao yesterday morning.

Edgardo Catipay, 52, who was under surveillance for quite some time by the Argao police, was arrested with his assistant, Eric Alviola, 22.

Authorities have seized suspected shabu worth P59,500 and drug paraphernalia; .38 revolver with four live ammunition; six live ammunitions of a 9mm pistol; two magazines of a .45 caliber pistol; and cash amounting to P4,445 believed to be the proceeds from the drug trade.

Police Inspector  Alejandro Batobalonos said Catipay has admitted owning the drugs seized from his house but refused to divulge the identity of his supplier.

Batobalonos said it was a concerned citizen who tipped the police about Catipay’s underground illegal drug transactions.

Police, however, found it difficult to arrest Catipay through a buy-bust operation because the suspect is reportedly very selective of his buyers.

Batobalonos said they were supposed to get a warrant from the court in Argao but a judge had advised them to get one in Cebu City instead to avoid any possible leak in the operation.

He said they are now coordinating with the Special Weapons and Tactics team and the Public Safety Battalion in relation to the frustrated murder case Catipay is facing. He is reportedly out on bail.

The pieces of evidence seized from Catipay’s house will be turned over to the Cebu City Police Office. The suspected shabu will be forwarded to the Crime Laboratory for authentication.

Catipay is facing charges for possession and selling of illegal drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia while Alviola will face charges for illegal possession of firearms. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo with Athena Bea T. Del Carmen and Juliet C. Cardente, CNU Comm. Interns/JMO (FREEMAN)