49 nabbed in drug stings

MANILA, Philippines — At least 49 people believed to be involved in illegal drugs were apprehended in separate operations in Metro Manila in the past two days.

In Manila alone, 30 drug suspects were nabbed by authorities.

Rommel Alejo, 40; Catalino Suan, 26; Raymundo Bacallan, 37; Rosanna Yumang, 48, and Lorna Evasco, 39, were collared in a sting along Masinop street in Tondo yesterday.

Members of the Manila Police District Station 5 led by Superintendent Emerey Abating arrested 22 people during a drug raid at the Baseco Compound.

Police said they recovered 20 sachets of shabu, drug paraphernalia, a homemade shotgun and video karera machines at the scene.

Anti-drug operations at the Manila North Cemetery, Sampaloc, San Andres Bukid, V. Mapa in Sta. Mesa and Binondo resulted in the arrest of 11 drug suspects.

In eastern Metro Manila, eight persons were arrested in anti-drug operations, Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Biay said.

John Patrick Mendoza, 27; Eram Nesly Asuncion, 30; Mark Jordan Reyes, 28, and Niel Villaverde, 30, were collared in a sting at the corner of Bagong Silang and Paraiso streets in Barangay Parang, Marikina on Thursday.

They allegedly yielded 11 sachets of shabu and P500 in marked money.

In Pasig, three drug suspects were nabbed in Barangays Bambang, Kalawaan and Caniogan.

They were Anthony Abad, Federico Salina and Fernando Francisco.

Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra Jr., city police chief, said Abad, Salina and Francisco were on the drug watchlist.

Police said they recovered from the suspects 12 sachets of shabu and the marked money.

In Mandaluyong, Manuel Tumawas was nabbed after he was caught allegedly engaged in a pot session with friends along Martinez street in Barangay Addition Hills.

Upon seeing the lawmen, his companions scampered in different directions.

Tumawas allegedly yielded 17 sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia.

In Parañaque City, police said they confiscated over 100 sachets of shabu from three suspects: Aiman Baraguir, 31; Johaima Ali Akmad, 35, and Ramil de Lara, 48.

In Taguig, suspected drug pusher Leomar Villarante was held for alleged possession of P60,000 worth of dried marijuana leaves.