"Abortionist" arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected abortionist was arrested during an entrapment operation conducted by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 Wednesday evening in Barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City.

Jocylin Balunan, 37, a native of Poblacion, Borbon, Cebu and her live-in partner Ensebio Broñola, 35, of Palo, Leyte were caught in the act of performing an abortion on a pregnant undercover police agent.

CIDG-7 operatives swooped down on the suspects’ rented apartment based on a tip from one of their former clients.

The informant told the CIDG operatives that she had her seven months old fetus aborted by Balunan where she was charged P27,000.

The informant said that the suspect’s “professional fee” depends on how old is the fetus to be aborted. But she is allegedly charging P3,000 per month.

CIDG-7 investigator Michael Ferolino said they immediately conducted surveillance operation. One of their pregnant operatives was sent to act as decoy.

The two months old pregnant agent was charged P6,000 by the suspects. The supposed abortion was scheduled Wednesday evening.

Ferolino said the agent was brought inside a room complete with surgical equipment. When the suspects were about to start the procedure, CIDG operatives immediately barged into the room and arrested the couple.

Ferolino said that based on their information the suspects have been in operation in the city for at least three years. This does not include their operation in Borbon.

In an interview, the suspects denied the allegation. Balunan claimed to have been set up by the police.

Balunan is reportedly a member of the “Balunan Gang” who are engaged in abortions. The police are still looking for at least 4 members of the gang.

Balunan and Broñola are currently detained at the CIDG-7 headquarters while charges for violation of Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code (intentional abortion) are being prepared. (FREEMAN)