2 cops “protecting” Pib’s target: 11 fall, P.9M shabu seized in Bogo bust

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested 11 people and confiscated close to a million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Gairan, Bogo City on Friday night.

Operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch of Cebu Provincial Police also discovered an alleged drug den at a cemetery while pursuing one of the subjects of the operation.

They failed to arrest though Emmanuel "Manuel" Berengeraka but have arrested his live-in partner Emelita Orbita.

One of the arrested suspects, Rico Monterde, was shot and hit on his foot after he tried to block the police while chasing Berengeraka.

Others arrested were Roxane Sio, Randy Malacaman, Thany Ancajas, Amed Cadlawon, Janray Ople, Marjun Niez, Jericho Sevilla, Romel Toring, and Aljon Buenconejo.

Senior Police Officer 1 Reynaldo Solante, PIB team leader, said that the live-in partners, who were the targets of the buy-bust operation, are level two drug pushers.

They were about to arrest the couple when Berengeraka managed to escape.

The policemen chased the suspect and reached a cemetery where they reportedly discovered a drug den and caught the other suspects.

They also recovered at least P944,000 worth of shabu.

Monterde tried to block the chasing police officers and was shot on his foot. The police also confiscated a cal. 45 pistol from the suspect's possession.

The police eventually lose sight of Berengeraka.

According to Solante, last Friday has been the fifth time that they tried to arrest the couple who had always managed to escape as two policemen assigned at Bogo City Police Station are allegedly protecting them.

Before last Friday, the PIB conducted the latest operation against the couple last week.

Solante said they already have the name of one of the said police officers and now on the process of identifying the other one.

"Bag-o pa sa serbisyo ning usa; naa na mi ngalan. Angayan lang nga maundang  ni  sila  kay  maglibog ning mga tawo kung asa motuo," he said.

He said it was the station chief who advised them not to inform their station if they will carry out an operation.

"Ako'y nalooy anang hepe sa Bogo kay naningkamot g'yud intawon 'na nga makuha na'ng mga drug pusher sa area niya, unya naa diay mga traydor sa iyang mga sakop," said Solante.

He said the two policemen are receiving "bonus" for every planned operation leaked to the suspects.

"Sa among nahibaw-an, kung makahatag sila og info bahin sa raid, makadawat sila og bonus. Makalagot kaayo ba kay gigamit pa g'yud nila ang pagka-pulis," added Solante.

The PIB official further said he also worries for the safety of his colleagues when conducting an operation since their targets already know.

Solante was thankful for the support of Mayor Celestino "Junnie" Martinez Sr., who served as one of the witnesses in the conduct of inventory of the evidence recovered.  — (FREEMAN)