AN INCUMBENT and former village officials, who allegedly have connections with a criminal group, were caught in a series of raids in Ronda yesterday dawn.
Ilaya, Ronda Barangay Councilor Romer Abueva, 42, yielded a .45 pistol, .38 revolver, and bullets to the operatives of the Cebu Provincial Police Office-Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and Criminal Intelligence and Detection Group 7.
His houses in Ilaya and Butong were searched.
Supt. Joie Yape Jr., the PIB chief, said they are verifying the alleged connection of Abueva with a drug group and involvement in illegal numbers operation backed by a local politician.
Abueva denied to the police his involvement in illegal drug trade. He owns an agrivet store and a lending firm.
In Barangay Malalay, the operatives failed to arrest their three targets, but they caught former Anajao, Argao councilman Rommel Solis for drug paraphernalia in Jerek Torres’s house.
Solis told the police that he went to Jerek’s house as he was instructed to transport a roasted pig to Cebu City.
The suspects who escaped arrest were Jerek, his father Maximo, and Godofredo Famor. PIB Deputy Chief Nazarino Emia said the three are listed as high-value targets and alleged criminal gang members.
A .45 pistol, bullets, and a big pack of “shabu” were seized from Jerek’s house. He is reportedly a former convict.
Police also confiscated .38 revolver loaded with four bullets and .45 pistol with four bullets from the houses of Famor and Maximo, respectively.
The operations were authorized by search warrants issued by Barili Regional Trial Court Branch 60 Judge Leopoldo Cañete. (KAL)