2 members of drug group fall in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — Two suspected members of a drug group were arrested Saturday morning by the operatives of Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) in Sitio Mananga, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

The team led by Senior Inspector Alejandro Batobalonos seized an estimated P244,000 worth of illegal drugs from Nelly Flor “Lablab” Marcelo and her cohort Stephen “Pungkol” Macaraya.

Marcelo was identified as level two drug peddler belonging to a drug syndicate allegedly led by a “Muslim.”

Batobalonos said the name of Marcelo was found in almost every “blue books” they confiscated in previous anti-drug operations as one of the sources of illegal drugs.

Batobalonos said they conducted further investigation and was able to finally arrange a transaction with her last Saturday. An undercover policeman was able to close a deal with Marcelo resulting in her arrest.

“Dugay naa kayo mi makakita aning a certain Lablab sa mga blue books sa among maaresto, unya karon natimingan na positive gyud nga naa siya dala,” Batobalonos said.

(We have seen her name in the blue books seized during our previous operations, and today we are able to have the chance to get her with the evidence)

At least 36.02 grams of suspected shabu worth P244,936 was confiscated from Marcelo. Batobalonos described the suspect to be “very cooperative.” In fact, she allegedly gave them the direction to the house of her boss.

“Cooperative siya musulti sa iyang information, iya gani gibaligya iyang amo nga Muslim, mao na sila nga drug group ang nag-operate pud diha sa area (Talisay),” Batobalonos said.

Marcelo and Macaraya are now detained at the Cebu Provincial Police Office headquarters. They will be charged for violations of Sections 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. (FREEMAN)