Ex-con arrested with P2.4 million shabu

CEBU, Philippines —  An ex-convict and alleged member of a criminal gang was arrested by members of the Mambaling Police Station in a buy-bust operation at the South Road Properties in Cebu City yesterday.

The suspect, Lancer Limin Quinoñez, 32, a resident of Huyong-Huyong Alaska, Barangay Mambaling, was also caught with at least P2.4 million worth of shabu.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy city director for operations of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said Quinoñez is a member of the Joel Paca criminal gang. Paca, a former barangay councilor of North Poblacion, City of Naga, was arrested in 2018 in a drug bust and is currently detained at the New Bilibid Prison.

“He belongs to the group of Joel Paca,” said Parilla.

The local gang members are reportedly sourcing their drug supplies from Rolando “Onyot” Mijares, the gang’s contact and “head source” in Cebu City.

Parilla said Quinoñez was convicted on drug charges, but was released following a plea bargaining agreement.

The deputy director said Quinoñez and his group are considered big players in the illegal drug trading and are operating for a long time now.

He said Quinoñez was placed under surveillance after his release.

“He mainly operates in Cebu City,” said Parilla.

Shooting over tarp

Meanwhile, a man landed in the hospital after he was shot by a watchman following a heated argument over a tarpaulin in Cebu City Wednesday afternoon.

The victim, Ricardo Flores Bucao, suffered a gunshot wound to his neck. He was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center, where he is still confined for treatment.

Based on police reports, an altercation ensued between Bucao and the suspect, 46-year-old Edilberto Omas Lastima, a watchman of a building located on Jaime Street in Barangay Capitol Site.

An angry Bucao reportedly went inside the establishment and confronted Lastima after the former’s tarpaulin was allegedly detached from the building.

Lastima voluntarily surrendered at Abellana Police Station shortly after the incident, according to the same police report.

Recovered from Lastima were an Armscor pistol with 9mm caliber, with one magazine, and five live ammunition. — Dominic I. Dilao, UV Comm Intern, KQD (FREEMAN)