Ex-Air Force man, 7 others nabbed in drug raid

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines - A former Air Force soldier and seven of his alleged gang members were arrested during a raid in Barangay 10, Lipa City, Batangas, Thursday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Calabarzon police director, said drug and gun charges were filed yesterday against Vicente Tagle, 33, tagged as the suspected leader of the drug gang.

Fernando del Rosario, a former overseas worker; Rodel Cortez; Adtuan Latiza; Joel Benjo Gonzales; John Paul Noche; Antonio Leysa and Emerson Maralit were included in the charge sheet.

Police recovered a large plastic bag and 28 sachets of shabu with an estimated street value of P300,000, two .45 caliber pistols, an M16 rifle, various kinds of ammunition, assorted drug paraphenalia , three electronic tablets, cell phones and motorcycles from the suspects.