‘Soldier’, 2 others fall in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested three men, one of them claimed to be a member of the Philippine Army, after they were seized with P140,000 worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kawit, Medellin town on Wednesday afternoon.

The suspects were identified as Reynaldo Abachanan, the subject of the operation, and his alleged “sidekicks” Retchie Labrada, 35, and Leodegario Villafuente, 45, both from Barangay Daanlungsod.

On Wednesday morning, a concerned citizen called Medellin Police Station and informed that the suspect was spotted at a beach resort in Barangay Kawit.

Senior Police Officer 1 Ryan Castro of Medellin Police said Abachanan, who has been placed under surveillance for a long time already, was seized with two packs of suspected shabu during the 2 p.m. buy-bust operation.

Apart from the P500 buy-bust money, the suspect was also seized with a cal. 45 pistol with ammunition, an identification card of the Armed Forces of the Philippines believed to be a fake, and a list of those who owed the suspect.

The suspect was brought to his rented room where Labrada and Villafuente were found inside.

The police recovered a large pack, a medium pack, and 24 small packs of suspected shabu from the suspect’s room.

Three small packs of shabu and a motorcycle were also confiscated from Labrada and a medium-sized pack of the same substance and drug paraphernalia from Villafuente.

Abachanan, following his arrest, reportedly introduced himself to the police as Captain Rey Mendoza. He also claimed to be Major Revron Mendoza, said Castro.

Castro said Abachanan further claimed that he is connected with the Army’s intelligence unit, which the police found to be untrue.

On top of the charges for possession and selling of illegal drugs, the police will also charge the suspect for usurpation of authority.

Labrada and Villafuente, on the other hand, will be facing charges for possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.  (FREEMAN)