Another Canadian tagged in Batangas drug haul

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines —  A manhunt has been launched for a second Canadian tagged in the seizure of 1.4 tons of shabu in Alitagtag, Batangas.

The Canadians were reportedly skippers of two private yachts that were used to transport the P9.68-billion illegal drugs into the country last week.

Joint police teams raided two houses in Barangay Natipunan in Nasugbu allegedly rented by the Canadians, but failed to arrest the suspects.

The houses were empty and no signs of illegal drugs were found in the area.

As this developed, the chief of the Nasugbu police was relieved from his post due to alleged irregularities in the performance of his duties.

The relief of Lt. Col. Reynaldo Domelod was ordered by the Batangas provincial police.

Maj. Nemecio Calipjo Jr. replaced Domelod as officer-in-charge of the Nasugbu police.

Meanwhile, in Lanao del Sur, police seized a kilo of shabu with an estimated street value of P6.8 million, and arrested two drug suspects in Marawi on Saturday.

Abdul Dioangaan, alias Ali, 47, and Panarigan Radia, 49, were reportedly high-value targets, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The suspects were detained at the PDEA-Bangsamoro jail.

In Central Mindanao, three alleged drug traffickers operating near school campuses were arrested in Maguindanao del Norte and Cotabato.

Born Salik Mangacop, 40, and Koraima Maliga, were collared in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, according to Bangsamoro police director Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn.

The third suspect, identified as Tokel Kadatuan, 31, was collared in Midsayap, Cotabato.  - John Unson