CEBU, Philippines — Police raided the house of alleged drug lord Franz Sabalones at the Modena Subdivision in Minglanilla town dawn yesterday and confiscated guns, bullets, and a hand grenade.
Sabalones, however, was not around during the raid.
It was around 5 a.m. when personnel of the intelligence branch of the Cebu Provincial Police Office implemented a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court in Barili for illegal possession of firearms.
Police found a KG-9 pistol, an M4 rifle, a .45 pistol, and bullets on top of a cabinet at the master’s bedroom.
But Sabalones’ former partner, Winefreda Misa, said she does not know who placed the items there.
She said her relationship with Sabalones did not last long and she has not seen him for six years now. It is reportedly Sabalones’ mother who supports her and the children.
But Sr. Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos of the Provincial Intelligence Branch said they received information that Sabalones and a companion went to the house at past midnight yesterday and left around 2 a.m.
Batobalonos said they suspect that the companion was either Sabalones’ driver or the person he leaves his family with when he is not around.
Batobalonos said they will file charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Sabalones but Misa will be spared.
Misa’s driver who asked not to be named said all they know is that Misa is their only employer. He said he was frightened when he saw the authorities arrive at the house.
“Kuyawan ko ani sir oi… kun mao man gani ni, huwat lang ko ani ni maam nga kung undang ko… moundang ko oi kay kuyawan ko og ingon ani (This scares me, sir… I’ll wait for what Ma’am will say, but I’d like to quit because this scares me),” he told The Freeman.
Some residents of the subdivision who also asked not to be named said there were times when people would go to Sabalones’ house but would park their vehicles far from there, something that they find suspicious.
Captain Sara Alicaya of Barangay Estaka said she was not aware that Sabalones was staying in the barangay. She was among those who witnessed the implementation of the warrant yesterday.
She said the subdivision has not been included just yet in the barangay’s purok system, which allows residents to organize themselves into groups.
Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña who was also at the house said he is thankful that the anti-criminality efforts in the town are working. — JMO (FREEMAN)