Governor ex-aide nabbed in sting

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines — A former employee of Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III was arrested during a sting in Barangay Balzain East in this city on Friday.

Benedict Palogan, 33, reportedly sold shabu to an undercover agent along Rizal street, according to Col. Ariel Quilang, Cagayan police director.

Police said they recovered from the suspect five plastic sachets containing shabu, a gun and P2,000 marked money.

Palogan was Albano’s employee during his term as congressman of Isabela.

Quilang said Palogan was a major drug supplier in the city and has been under police surveillance.

Albano said he would not interfere with the investigation of Palogan’s case.

He said he sent the suspect to a rehabilitation center in Tagaytay a few years ago.

Albano said he gave Palogan a job in the House of Representatives as he thought his drug addiction had been treated.

“He is on his own now, he is no longer connected with me since I became governor,” Albano said. 

Drug suspect falls

Meanwhile, a drug suspect was arrested during a sting that resulted in the recovery of shabu with an estimated value of P300,000 in Dasmarinas City, Cavite yesterday.

John Melvin Castineda, 31, was collared in Barangay Paliparan III at around 12:40 a.m.

Police were preparing to file charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act against the suspect. – With Emmanuel Tupas