In Tanke, Talisay city ‘Surrenderer’ caught selling drugs again

CEBU, Philippines - A former detainee and a drug surenderer were among four personalities arrested in a “one-time big time” buy-bust operation by the Talisay City police in Barangay Tanke Wednesday evening.

After validating the information they received regarding a certain Kede Bayot and one named Ronald who were seen selling illegal drugs in the area, the police immediately launched separate buy-bust operations.

Kede Bayot was later identified as Karl Dennis Bitayo, 30, who was detained last November for violating Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

After the buy-bust, which took place in Sitio Rattan, the police found in Bitayo’s possession a medium sachet and 31 small sachets of suspected shabu weighing a total of 3.02 grams valued at P35,636.

Minutes later, in Sitio Magay, the police also collared Ronald Baculfo, 33, and his cohorts Isagani “Gani” de La Cruz, 28, and Louie Abapo 36, both also residents of Magay.

Authorities found in Baculfo’s possession 51 small packs of suspected shabu, 12 from Abapo, and 10 from Isagani. All 73 packs weighed a total of 1.46 and were estimated to be worth P17,228.

PO2 John Cyrus Ilustrisimo of Talisay City Police Station said, they conducted Oplan Tokhang on all four suspects before, but it was only de La Cruz who turned himself in and had himself profiled.

“Dugay na ni namo sila nga under surveillance. Katong na-stop among operations against illegal drugs, nibalik man ni sila, mura’g nigara,” he said.

In an interview, Abapo denied the items recovered from his possession were his, saying they were “planted” by the police on him. The other three suspects refused to be interviewed.

All four suspects are detained at the Talisay City Police Station jail pending the filing of criminal complaints against them. (FREEMAN)