Anti-drug operations net 24 persons, P270 thousand drugs

CEBU, Philippines —  A total of 24 suspected drug personalities, including two sisters who are allegedly maintaining a drug den, were arrested by the operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) -7 in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cebu City and Dumaguete City yesterday.

In Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, PDEA -7 operatives implemented the search warrant against the siblings identified as Marites Romano and Susan Romano after the agency received reports from the community that the two are maintaining a drug den in the area where call center agents allegedly frequent.

PDEA-7 Spokesperson Leia Albiar said that they were only able to arrest Susan because Marites was not in the area during the operation.

During the raid, at least six suspected drug personalities identified as Mary Jane Romano, John Lester Sarsona, Edwin  Romano Jr., Edwin Romano Sr.,  Jonye Bayquilla and Oliver Romano Jr. were arrested for visiting the drug den.

The operatives also seized at least 10 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P68,000 inside the alleged drug den as well as several drug paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, operatives of PDEA-7 in a joint operation with Negros Oriental Police Office conducted a buy-bust operation against a certain Wilfreda Semetara, a   suspected drug personality in Barangay Looc. 

They also destroyed a drug den and arrested a total of 16 suspected drug personalities.

Albiar said Semetara could dispose of at least 100 grams of suspected shabu a day.

Those arrested in the drug den were identified as Arnold Dela Cruz, Delberto Ramirez, Nexan Pacata, Sunny Boy Dela Cerna, Jemar Calente, Jerry Paner, Benny Argones, Patrick Narciso, Eugene Engreso, Samson Fabugaes, Nelson Abrasaldo, Archie Audeje, Daryl Joyohoy, Neil Raboy,  Jerry Catipay, and Nolfo Patalita.

Confiscated from the suspects were several packs of suspected shabu worth P204,000 and drug paraphernalia.

“Ang drug den usa gyud sa atong priority nga ma-dismantle kay dako man gud na. Actually, sa classification nato sa drug affected barangays ug muingon lang ta nga ang barangay drug den, ma-consider nana siya as seriously affected,” said Albiar.

On the other hand, to refresh the knowledge of Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) operatives about police operations and filing of appropriate cases against drug personalities, CCPO conducted a seminar in relation to the amended section 21 of Republic Act 9165.

The seminar was attended by about 50 DEU personnel from all stations and units of CCPO.

Lawyer Clarence Paul Oaminal, former vice chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), said he observed that there are numerous drug cases filed by the police are dismissed by the court because of misinterpretation of the amended law.

“Hangtod karon daghan gihapon ang cases nga na-dismiss kay bisan in effect 2014, there are still prosecutors and judges and law enforcers who misinterpret the law. Sayop kaayo na. Mao bitaw nga ako gi-challenge dili lang ang CCPO pero ato gyud sa PRO-7 to file cases against judges and prosecutors who misinterpret the law,” said Oaminal.

He also encouraged the police to review their dismissed drug cases. 

CCPO Director Royina Garma said that the seminar is very helpful to them.

“It’s good additional na input sa kaalaman ng ating mga polis and we are being taught how to strengthen the cases. Ini-explain din ang ibang provisions na kung saan puwede mo ding hulihin iyung those involved in illegal drugs, hindi lang limited doon sa selling sa buy-bust and possession but iyung pag-administer, transporting, trading, tinuturo sa amin,” Garma said. —   MBG  (FREEMAN)