CEBU, Philippines – At least 10 agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit in Central Visayas got commendations and medals of merit from the Dangerous Drugs Board yesterday for their successful operation in Sitio Baho, barangay Mantalisay, San Fernando, Cebu last February 1 that resulted to the seizure of P3 million worth of shabu.
CIDU-7 chief Sr. Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, PSI Patrick Freddie Vaño, SPO2 Gilberto Banate, SPO1 Willard Selibio, SPO1 Roel Leyson, PO3 Crisologo Tabares, PO2 Eriberto Dacalos and PO1 Baby Rallos received certificates of commendations each for their excellent performance in the field which have led to the biggest drug seizure of the year in the region.
The operation has also resulted to the arrest of two known drug personalities and the seizure of 300 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu that has an estimated street value of P3 million.
DDB Undersecretary Clarence Paul Oaminal said that the operation in San Fernando was the biggest drug seizure in the entire Visayas area for this year that has greatly hurt the illegal drug industry.
DDB also conferred SPO2 Delfin Bontuyan and SPO4 Edmund Junco of the CIDU-7 with Medals of Merit for their display of immeasurable sacrifice and dedication in the anti-drug campaign.
Oaminal said that Bontuyan and Junco have gallantly led the men and women of the CIDU-7 in operations against illegal drugs for several years.
“Their innovative leadership and indomitable spirit as a non-commissioned officer is worthy of emulation to all public servants, indispensable in achieving the President’s vision of a drug free Philippines on 2010,” Oaminal said.
During a raid in San Fernando, CIDU-7 agents have confiscated 640 small packs of shabu and four plastic bags containing the same substance. Also seized were 200 pieces of empty plastic cachets, five improvised glass tooters, two tin foils, three improvised glass burners, 21 pieces of unused rolled tinfoil, weighing scale, and P20,000 cash among others.
The operation also led to the arrest of Joselito Caballero Navarro, 41, who was caught while repacking the substance at the basement of his house in San Fernando, and Christopher Luna who is facing murder charges for allegedly killing a foreigner soldier in 2006. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)