A BARANGAY tanod (village watchman) in Paquibato District, Davao City was arrested by operatives after he was caught selling suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, in a drug bust on Sunday evening, June 17.
The police report identified the watchman as Erwin Lagunday Tecson alias “Bolantoy”, 30, male, married, and resident of Purok Caimito, Upper Mabuhay, Barangay Mabuhay, Paquibato District.
He was apprehended at around 9:30 p.m. of June 17 by the Paquibato Police Station (PS7) Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) under Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 per operation number 30004-062018-0103.
The operation was conducted at Near Covered Gym of Barangay Mabuhay, Paquibato District, Davao City.
Recovered from the suspect were one 10 sachets of suspected shabu as well as one P500 bill, four pieces of aluminum foil, one piece red disposable lighter and two pieces of consumed sachet containing suspected shabu.
The suspect is currently detained at Paquibato Police Station and a complaint for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act was filed against him through a summary inquest proceeding at the Davao City Prosecutors Office.
Behn Joseph Tesiorna, PDEA assistant regional director, said Tecson is considered as a high-value target since he is a member of a law enforcement unit of their barangay.
The suspect has been monitored by authorities and has been proven to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
Tesiorna added that there were only few illegal drugs that have been confiscated because of the meager supply of drugs that were able to penetrate the city and also due to the high cost of drugs nowadays.
“As per mandate of the President, we will concentrate on those suspects who are in the government. We are into cleansing the ranks of the government especially in the law enforcement side because it is ironic that we apprehend but we are also the one selling,” Tesiorna said.