3 fall for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Three people were arrested by the police in separate operations against illegal drugs in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City, Friday afternoon.

The suspects were identified as Xelif Kho, 32, a native of Poblacion, Ubay, Bohol but temporarily residing in Barangay Tabok; Niel Gitgano, 32, of Barangay Paknaan; and Jayrold Catipayan, 22, of Barangay Tabok.

Senior Police Officer 1 Edmund Bilacora of Mandaue City Police Office Station3 said Gitgano has been tagged as responsible for selling illegal drugs in Barangay Paknaan.

Gitgano is subject for surveillance by the police for the past week in the said barangay.

Sensing that the police monitored his illegal activities, Gitgano reportedly transferred his operation in Tabok.

A police decoy was able to arrange a transaction with Gitgano while in Barangay Tabok at around 5 p.m. last Friday.

Gitgano was arrested by the police after he allegedly handed one pack of shabu to a police decoy.

Allegedly confiscated from Gitgano after his arrest were nine packs of suspected shabu, one bundle of marijuana leaves, .22 caliber revolver with three live bullets and P200 buy-bust money.

Police allegedly confiscated two packs of shabu from Kho after his arrest in Barangay Tabok.

Catipayan, a habal-habal driver, was arrested by the police bringing drug paraphernalia for sniffing shabu.

The suspects are presently detained at Station 3 detention cell in Barangay Basak awaiting the filing of formal charges against them in court.  (FREEMAN)