FIVE people, including a policeman, were arrested while some P116,600 worth of illegal drugs were seized in separate anti-drug operations in Zamboanga City, the police announced Monday, August 19.
Arrested were the following: Feliciano Acasio Ornopya, 42; Gapul Mahamud Sahibad, 30, fish merchant; Arpikal Sisa Indanan, 20; Banisadar Fortin Ladjahasan, 37; Corporal Alcadzrhynn Mandangan Bandahala, 38, a policeman.
Police Major Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the suspects were detained while charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against them.
She said Ornopya was arrested in a drug bust around 6:30 a.m. Saturday at a massage and karaoke bar in the village of San Jose Gusu.
Galvez said Ornopya was caught in possession of some P24,600 worth of suspected shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, packed in 11 plastic sachets and P300 marked money.
Galvez also said P85,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in two big-size plastic sachets and P200 marked money were seized from Sahibad and Indanan when they were arrested in a separate drug bust around 7:15 p.m. Sunday along Peralta Drive in the village of Mampang.
Ladjahasan and Bandahala were arrested in another buy-bust operation around 9:30 p.m. Sunday along Kasalamatan Drive in the village of Campo Islam.
Seized from them were some P7,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in four plastic sachets and P500 marked money.
“This accomplishment shows the relentless battle against illegal drugs in the region. The collaborative effort of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the community have been progressive and fruitful,” said Police Brigadier General Froilan Quidilla, PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula director.
Quidilla assured that they will do their very best to keep Zamboanga Peninsula a better place to live, work, and do business.
Quidilla reminded the community not to hesitate in reporting illegal activities in their area through the Hotline numbers in I-sumbong Mo, I-ACTION Ko! (Bong Garcia)