100T worth of shabu seized

CEBU, Philippines - Operatives of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSAOTG) seized packs of shabu worth P100,000 during a buy-bust operation in the mountain barangay of Pulangbato last Monday afternoon.

Evangelista Rubica, 28, a former delivery boy of a pizzeria, was arrested during the operation in Barangay Pulangbato. Recovered from him were two big packs of shabu and 101 small packs.

Senior Inspector Eunil Avergonzado, CAIDSOT chief said the operation was in line with the police’s intensified efforts to curb the problem of illegal drugs in the city.

“Mao ni resulta sa subsob natong kampanya sa drugas sa Pulangbato,” he said.

Rubica, for his part, alleged that he was just paying a debt to a friend when picked up by the police. He admitted using drugs but denied pushing them.

He also denied owning the packs of shabu seized during the operation and alleged they were not taken from his possession.

Avergonzado said, however, that no less than Rubica’s neighbors confirmed his illegal drugs activities. Intelligence reports reportedly indicate that Rubica was operating only in the barangay.

At City Hall, Mayor Michael Rama issued a strong warning against policemen here linked to the illegal drugs trade – removal from office.

“Kung klaro na kaayo ang ebidensiya unya sige og imbestigar, taktakon. If dili gani, i-suspend,” Rama said.

The mayor gave the warning following reports that at least 20 policemen in Barangay Talamban are being investigated for possible links to the trade. Rama, as mayor, may not have the authority to kick the policemen out but he can recommend their removal or transfer.

Rama said he will not think twice if investigation points to guilt.

Senior Superintendent Bienvindo Miral, Talamban Police Chief, admitted the reports and said information was already there even before he assumed as station chief. What is reportedly lacking is concrete evidence to pin those responsible down.

The issue about cops involved in illegal drugs surfaced during a recent meeting with officials from barangays Talamban, Pulangbato and Budlaan and the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he has already asked Miral  to verify the reports.

“From that report, di rana nato mahibaw-an ang angay natong buhaton. If there will be policemen in uniform nga ma-apil, taktakon gyud,” Labella said.

He said the policemen subject to investigation may be transferred to another city. –/JMO (FREEMAN)