A TOTAL of 51 suspects, including a 57-year-old president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), were arrested, while 253 sachets of shabu were confiscated in separate anti-drug operations in Eastern Visayas towns from February 26 to March 1, 2021.
Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, identified the arrested ABC president as Romeo Ochea Saturinas, a resident of Barangay Pondol, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
An undercover operative was able to buy one medium size sachet containing substance believed to be shabu from the suspect in consideration of P20,000 during the buy-bust operation around 5:35 p.m. Monday, March 1, in Barangay Canipaan, Hinunangan, police said in the report.
Elements of Southern Leyte Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, 4th Platoon of 1st Southern Leyte Mobile Force Company, Hinunangan Municipal Police Station, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also recovered from the suspect’s possession and control one medium sachet containing suspected shabu, two small sizes sachets containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and other personal items.
On February 25, police in Northern Samar also arrested a 39-year-old barangay kagawad, along with two other suspects, for alleged illegal drug activities.
Police identified the barangay official as Julito Tabiaso Bocboc, listed as number 1 high-value individual-provincial level, and a resident of Barangay Cag-abaca, Catarman town.
The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (SunStar Philippines)