TASK Force Davao (TFD) arrested a man for alleged possession of illegal drugs with an estimated value of P289,800 at the Sirawan Detachment checkpoint in Toril Thursday evening, December 13.

TFD commander Colonel Nolasco Mempin said Friday, December 14, that TFD personnel and a team of Toril Police Station intercepted a man at the bus inspection area at about 9 a.m. on December 13.

The man was later identified as Gerald Joy Romero Pontillano, 34, a resident of Kanto Anahaw Aplaya in Digos City.

Seized from his possession were six sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) weighing about 20.70 grams with an estimated street value of P289,800.

The suspect was onboard a Mindanao Star bus driven by Zamayla Edgar Delima. The bus came from Aplaya, Digos City and was headed towards the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal in Davao City.

Pontillano and the illegal items were turned over to Toril Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

The turnover was witnessed by George B Murillo of Department of Justice Davao Region and Eddei D. Abubacar of Barangay Sirawan, Toril District, Davao City.

Authorities are tightening security measures in different entry points of the city to prevent lawless elements and criminals from entering the city.

“TF Davao continues its stringent security measures implemented in all our checkpoints including Dcott (Davao City Overland Transport Terminal) and Sasa Wharf. We are guarding against any dubious person who might attempt to enter the city,” he said.

Apart from illegal drugs, they are also beefing up their measures against transport of the firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices inside the city since there is an existing ordinance banning these items.

“We are also ensuring that no firecrackers or pyrotechnics could enter the City jurisdictions. We seek people support in term of being also vigilant against any suspicious persons and items. Kindly report asap to TFD, DCPO any info they suspect to be dubious,” Mempin said.