Sambag pusher falls, Sumabong back in jail

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug peddler and another man reportedly involved in robbery incidents were arrested the other night in sitio Riverside, barangay Sambag 1, this city.

Elements of the Fuente Police Station led by Chief Insp. Arnel Banzon conducted a saturation drive in the said area past 11 the other night.

During the operation, they spotted three men playing cards. The game is locally known as “tong-its.”

One of the men eluded arrest after sensing their arrival. Two were apprehended and frisked.

Found in the possession of one Rey Arcenal, 37, a resident of barangay Calamba, were two big packs of suspected shabu while two small packs were recovered from Sandel Jacalan, 26, also a resident of the said place.

In the process, they also spotted Joel Sumabong, 36, of barangay Banban, Bogo town. Seized from him was a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines and 15 bullets, bet money worth P190, and playing cards.

Arcenal was identified as a level 2 drug pusher by the policemen which means that he can dispose of 200 grams to one kilo of shabu weekly.

Arcenal denied the accusation, turning the tables at the police officers for allegedly planting shabu to arrest him. He also refused to give further comments to the media, saying that the latter cannot help him.

“Giplanteran ko nila. Di na lang ko magpa-interview kay dili gihapon mo makatabang nako. Wala may human rights,” Arcenal said.

However, Banzon said that Arcenal was positively identified as level 2 drug pusher.

“Kung planted pa, asa man tawon mi mangita anang shabuha?” Banzon asked.

Meanwhile, Sumabong was then identified as the notorious robber who was already imprisoned a couple of times.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu City Police Office director, said that Sumabong was involved in robberies here in Cebu. He was also linked as bodyguard of drug lords.

Sumabong in an interview did not deny that the firearm confiscated from him does not have a license. However, he denied the allegation that he is a bodyguard of certain drug lords.

The two were detained at the Fuente Police Station. Charges were already filed against them. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)