13 fall in Asturias drug raid

CEBU, Philippines - Thirteen people were arrested in Asturias town on Christmas Day for allegedly visiting a drug den.

Joint operatives of Asturias Police Station, Tuburan Police Station, Special Weapons and Tactics in Balamban, and 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army were out to serve a warrant of arrest against Johny Ylanan and conduct buy-bust operation against suspected drug pusher Johny Gabilan when they chanced upon the suspects inside the drug den.

The suspects were identified as Marvin Maglasang; Joserey Nengasca; Rodelio Fonteras; Mark John Lato; Steven Dolino; Joel Lariosa; Michael Madraga; and Bonifacio Homicillo, of Tuburan town; Loredel Gensis; Richard Gensis; and Edwin Pologon, of Asturias and Christopher Mantuhak; and Mark Sinarlo, of Balamban town.

The joint police and military operatives, however, failed to arrest Ylanan and Gabilan.

Senior Inspector Narciso Abapo, chief of Asturias Police Station, sought the assistance of the neighboring towns as well as the military after receiving information that Ylanan, an escapee from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, had been frequenting in the drug den operated by Gabilan.

Ylanan, who is facing criminal charges for illegal possession of firearm, drugs and drug paraphernalia, escaped from his guards in 2012 after he was allowed by the court to attend the burial of his mother in Tuburan town.

Ylanan eluded arrest during the operation as well as Gabilan after sensing the presence of law enforcers. The 13 suspects, however, were cornered inside the drug den.

They are now detained at the Asturias Police Station and will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (FREEMAN)