Mabalacat cops nab 11 suspected drug pushers

MABALACAT CITY -- The city police arrested at least 11 suspected drug pushers and users in seven separate operations conducted in different villages here this month.

The arrests are part of the city police’s intensified crackdown against the illegal drugs trade, said Superintendent Rodney Raymond Louie J. Baloyo IV, city police director.

Baloyo identified the suspects as Ace Cenizal of Meycuayan, Bulacan; Edizon Maylos of Dau, this city; Dolores Santos-Maylos, also of Dau, this city; Mark Cariaga of South Daang Bakal, Dau, this city; Danilo Gabriel of Balibago, Angeles City; Romeo David of Lakandula, of this city; Dennis Lacanlale of Northville Bagong Silang, Angeles City; George Numento of Amsik, Angeles City; Renato Contreras of Northville 15, Bagong Silang, Angeles City; Alicaya Magadapa of San Jose, City of San Fernando; and Johndeemar Balingit of Dau, this city.

The suspects were charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said Baloyo.

Mayor Marino Morales earlier directed Baloyo to arrest all suspected drug pushers in drug-affected barangays including Dau, San Francisco, and Poblacion San Joacquin, among others.

“Illegal drugs are the menace of our society. It destroys the future of our children,” Morales said.

Senior Superintendent R’Win Santa Ana Pagkalinawan, newly installed Pampanga provincial director, meanwhile, visited the city police office on Wednesday and made an inspection of troops and police personnel here.

He instructed Baloyo to intensify the city’s drive against criminalities in order to maintain peace and order in this newly converted component city.

Pagkalinawan also asked policemen to work hard on improving the image of the Philippine National Police.

He said police officers should be courteous and should always respect civilians. (Reynaldo G. Navales)