"Free-for-all operation" vs. illegal drugs in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue Police Director Noel Gillamac yesterday declared an all-out-war against illegal drugs in the city following the arrest of a “big-time” drug pusher/dealer in barangay Mantuyong the other day.

 Gillamac, the newly-appointed director of MCPO, told all police station commanders in a command conference yesterday to prioritize the campaign against illegal drugs.

He said the operation against illegal drugs in Mandaue City would be a “free-for-all operation,” which would allow policemen to conduct operations even outside their areas of jurisdiction, as long as there is coordination with the police station assigned to the area.

Mila Macabato, an alleged Level 2 drug pusher, was arrested in a joint operation conducted by police operatives of Mandaue and Cebu. A Level 2 drug pusher is someone who disposes at least 200 grams of shabu every week.

Macabato was arrested after one Abdul Pangcoga, 22, pointed to her as the alleged source of the drugs he was using. The latter was arrested at a pension house in barangay Zapatera after police received information that he was distributing drugs in the area.

Each of the suspects yielded 50 grams of shabu with a street value of P400,000 each or a total of P800,000.

Macabato and Pangcoga who reportedly come from Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, did not resist arrest.

During tactical interrogation, Macabato divulged the names of her source of the illegal drugs, but Gillamac said they are still verifying the information to because it is possible that the suspect could just be inventing stories.

“We are trying to verify what she has divulged kay basin nag-invent lang na siya, iliko lang ‘ta ba. She has divulged the information without us promising anything to her. I don’t think himuon nato siyang state witness,” Gillamac added.

Considering the amount of drugs she can dispose of and her areas of distribution, Gillamac said it is possible that Macabato belongs to a syndicated group from Mindanao.

Macabato claimed she arrived in Mantuyong only last November, but Gillamac said reports had it that she has been in the illegal drug trade for many years already and is just “very smart” to avoid authorities.

The suspect claimed that the illegal drugs are delivered to her house and she only gets paid P500 for every big pack of shabu that she disposes.

The suspects are now detained pending the filing of the charge for violation of Section 5 of the Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act before the court. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO     (FREEMAN NEWS)