Siblings arrested for drug biz

POLICE killed a suspected drug personality, wounded another, and hauled close to P2 million worth of illegal drugs in separate operations in Cebu City, Asturias, Tuburan and Toledo City.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 nabbed four siblings in a raid in Sitio Mahayahay 2 in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.

Reckoned by police as a big-time drug personality, Baldwin "Baldo" Bontilao tried to escape but CIDG 7 operatives handcuffed him and his two sisters and a brother, who were caught sniffing shabu when police barged into the house.

"In Region 7, at least 10 gangs are actually prioritized, seven of which are involved in drug trafficking," CIDG National Director Benhamin Magalong said in a press conference yesterday, following the successful raid.

According to police investigation, Bontilao is a member of the Baldesamo Group, a cluster of drug pushers operating under the Saballones Criminal Gang.

Gangs

"These criminal gangs, they oscillate from one practice to another, which means that those involved in drug trafficking may shift to robbery when operations against illegal drugs heat up, then to gun-for-hire," Magalong said.

Magalong said that Bontilao is a level two drug pusher, who can dispose of at least 300 grams of shabu in a week.

But only 73 grams of shabu were seized in the raid, prompting operatives to believe that the suspect had already sold most of his supplies.

Bontilao's siblings were identified as Erwin, Davie Ann and Elaiza.

The three siblings reportedly repacked shabu into small sachets and were paid P500 for every 15 grams. They earn at least P2,500 a week.

When detectives stormed in, they caught Elaiza repacking white crystals believed to be shabu. Not far from her were Erwin and Davie Ann, sniffing the melted white crystals.

CIDG 7 recovered eight large and seven medium packs of shabu, which could have a street value of P525,600.

But according to the estimates of the Dangerous Drugs Board, 73 grams of shabu could cost up to P861,400.

Bontilao had been caught for the same offense before, but he was acquitted last November.

"Di man to tinuod sa una (The allegation that time was not true)," Bontilao told reporters.

When asked if the current allegation is true, Bontilao nodded.

"Wala lagi laing kapangitaan og kwarta (There's no other way to earn money)," Bontilao said.

CIDG 7 was armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Soliver Peras.

The siblings will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Killed

Meanwhile, last Wednesday morning, suspected drug pusher Tirso Inosolango, 29, was killed in a shootout with police in Barangay Lunas, Asturias.

Senior Insp. Narciso Abapo, the town police chief, described Inosolango as a level three drug pusher and an alleged hitman.

He succumbed to two gunshot wounds in the body.

Inosolango reportedly acted as new drug lord in the area after his boss, Ronnie Gemongala, was arrested last month for alleged drug pushing.

Before the shootout, Inosolango's neighbors reported to the police that Inosolango fired his gun.

Abapo and his men responded to the area.

Upon noticing police presence, Inosolango allegedly opened fire at the police.

No policeman was injured.

Abapo said they rushed Inosolango to the town's infirmary, but he did not survive.

A .45 pistol loaded with three bullets and a bag containing two packs of suspected shabu were recovered from Inosolango.

Grenade

That evening, Dindo Mainguet sustained a gunshot wound in his left hand after he tried to throw a grenade at the operatives in Barangay Cogon, Tuburan during a raid.

The grenade did not explode, said PO1 Alfitche Mangaron in a phone interview.

The target of the operation was suspected drug pusher Lu-ann dela Cerna Genson, the subject of the search warrant issued by Toledo City RTC Judge Hermes Montero.

Police caught Genson, 31, and her brother Roderick dela Cerna, 37, inside her house.

Seized from the suspects were seven small sachets of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Mainguet was rushed to the town's hospital and is already out of danger, said Mangaron.

P1.2 million

In Barangay Canlumampao, Toledo City, a team from the Provincial Intelligence Branch seized four packs of shabu worth P1,239,000 from the house of suspected drug dealer Eduardo Tapilot Alicaba Jr. last Tuesday morning.

Alicaba, however, eluded arrest.

Aside from illegal drugs, a hand grenade, shotgun, 25 pieces of 12-gauge shotgun shells, and a .45 pistol loaded with seven bullets were also found inside the house. With DSM

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