106 jailed in police’s ‘one-time, big-time’

CEBU, Philippines - Superintendent Ryan Devaras, chief of the Intelligence and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), told reporters that the operations cover illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms and implementation of arrest warrants.

He said the operations were conducted upon the directive of Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO director, as part of the "One Time, Big Time" initiative of the police.

Some of those who landed in jail were caught in possession of dangerous drugs, Devaras said.

Just recently, the police hierarchy has transferred its anti-drug campaign under the supervision of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, after reports surfaced that its “Oplan Tokhang” has been abused and was used to extort money from those who got arrested.

Devaras said that suspects did not show any provocation during the operations.

"Nadala na siguro sila kaya hindi na nanlaban.  The Cebu City police office will go after you, so you better stop your illegal activities," Devaras said.

He disclosed that two minors were among those who were arrested during the operations, but they were not among those presented to the media.

Also among the suspects was the 61-year old Marlon Remucaldo of V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City, who was arrested for engaging into an illegal numbers game.

In an interview, Remucaldo promised he will not to engage in the illegal activity again.

Remucaldo, along with other suspects, are temporarily placed inside the stockade of the concerned police stations, pending the filing of the criminal complaint against them before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.

Chief Inspector Christopher Navida, head of the City Intelligence Branch of CCPO, said no members of a syndicate were arrested except the Mago brothers who allegedly lead a criminal group at a Chinese cemetery in Barnagay Mabolo. (FREEMAN)