INCUMBENT and former village officials were caught in a series of raids in the town of Ronda in western Cebu on Sunday dawn, July 16.
Police found a .45 pistol, .38 revolver, and bullets after a search of the residences of Romer Abueva, 42, barangay councilman of Ilaya, in the villages of Ilaya and Butong.
Superintendent Joie Yape Jr., Cebu Provincial Police Office-Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) chief, said they were verifying allegations that Abueva is involved in illegal drugs trade. PIB and Criminal Intelligence and Detection Group-Central Visayas conducted the search.
Abueva denied the allegation. He said he owns an agrivet store and a lending firm.
In Barangay Malalay, the operatives failed to arrest their three targets, but they apprehended former Anajao, Argao councilman Rommel Solis after he was found in possession of drug paraphernalia.
The suspects who escaped arrest were Jerek Torres, Godofredo Famor, and Maximo Torres. They are listed as high value targets.
A .45 pistol, bullets, and a big pack of crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or "shabu," were seized from the residence of Torres.
Police confiscated a .38 revolver loaded with four bullets and .45 pistol with four bullets from the residences of Famor and Maximo, respectively. (SunStar Cebu)