Gov't worker nabbed in Sarangani drug bust

MANILA, Philippines — A local government employee was arrested by anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during a drug sting in Sarangani province.

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. identified the suspect as Russel Maniquez, 37, of Maguling, Maitum, Sarangani Province.

Maniquez is an administrative aide assigned at the Municipal Hall of Maitum, Sarangani province.

Reports showed that on August 10 around 1 p.m., PDEA operatives conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok Namnama, Barangay Malalag, Maitum which led to the arrest of Maniquez.

A PDEA agent who acted as poseur-buyer bought from the suspect a plastic sachet of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing more or less a gram worth P7,500.

Maniquez, now temporarily detained at PDEA regional office jail facility, will be facing illegal drug raps.