Another barangay chief falls in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - The drug-bust streak against barangay officials continued yesterday noon when members of the Anilao Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-6 arrested a barangay captain of Anilao town in Iloilo.

Meliton Buyco, 46, of Barangay Poblacion, was arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P500 to a poseur buyer. Following his arrest, seven sachets more of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia were seized from his possession.

PDEA-6 director Paul Ledesma said Buyco also allowed his house to be used as area for pot session. "Aside from selling drugs, he could also be liable for maintaining a drug den," he said.

The PNP and PDEA-6 have listed Buyco as drug personality in Anilao town. "I believe he was arrested or had been subjected in a drug raid before," Ledesma said, adding that sources said he was also charged for murder.

The arrest of Buyco came after, more than a week ago, a barangay captain was also arrested in a buy-bust operation at Concepcion, Iloilo. Rhodney Villarias, 36, of Brgy. Niño in Concepcion, sold a sachet of shabu to a poseur buyer. He however denied peddling shabu but admitted that he has been using illegal drugs.

Last Saturday, a former barangay councilman and his wife were arrested in a buy bust operation at Brgy. North Baluarte in Molo district of Iloilo City. Zaldy Sagon and his wife Helen allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu to a poseur buyer. Sagon even admitted to have plans of running as barangay captain in the October 28 polls.

Last July, a barangay captain and two tanods were arrested in a raid at a suspected drug den in Brgy. Poblacion of Pototan, Iloilo. On the same month, PDEA-6 also apprehended another barangay captain in a buy bust operation in Roxas City. — (FREEMAN)