A MEMBER of a criminal group who has been wanted for drug charges was arrested by the Gingoog City police in an anti-illegal drug operation.
The suspect was identified as Salvador Yumol, who has a standing arrest warrant for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165).
The joint drug bust and service of arrest warrant were carried out by the members of the Valencia City police and anti-narcotics agents.
The arrest was made over the weekend in Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon where the suspect was hiding.
Seized from the suspect was around P160,000 worth of substance believed to be shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).
Authorities said Yumol ranked number 9 in the drug list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Northern Mindanao.
Gingoog City Police Chief Ariel Philip Pontillas said the suspect was a remnant of a Degamo Group, a criminal group allegedly involved in a series of killings in Gingoog City in 2011 to 2014 due to "gang war."
"Siya na lang nabilin nga wala pa na-neutralize. Siya pud responsible sa pag-proliferate sa druga diri sa Gingoog ug apil sa CDO," Pontillas said.
"During sa operation, wala siya misukol. Pero when he noticed nga PDEA and PNP ang naka-transact, niambak siya sa bintana. Pero na-corner ra gihapon siya," he added.
Pontillas also said the suspect has another pending warrant of arrest for frustrated murder in 2014.
The suspect is now under the custody of PDEA-Northern Mindanao and will soon be tried in court.