Another village chief nabbed in drug raid

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Another village head was arrested Sunday morning in a drug raid in Banate, Iloilo.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) collared Barangay Captain Roger Belarde of Dugwakan, Banate.

PDEA operatives also arrested Belarde's wife, Respe, as drug den conspirator and his nephew, Archie Belarde, for visiting drug den.

Seized during the raid were 11 sachets of suspected shabu weighing eight grams and with an estimated street value of P50,000; assorted drug paraphernalia for storing, repacking and distributing of shabu; three mobile phones, loaded homemade 12-gauge shotgun and cash of P160.

PDEA carried the operation by virtue of Search Warrant No. 14-06 issued by Judge Rogelio Amado of the Regional Trial Court Branch 66 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

PDEA said Belarde is the third barangay captain arrested in Banate town and ninth in Western Visayas.

"It is very embarrassing but PDEA have always been steadfast in its pursuit in attaining its mission as well as our sworn mandate in suppressing illegal drugs no matter who is involved," said PDEA regional director Paul Ledesma said.

The suspects will be charged for violation of Sections 6, 7, and 26, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.