Two alleged drug pushers nabbed

CEBU, Philippines - Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested a noted drug pusher and confiscated from his possession 15 small packs of illegal drugs estimated to cost P3,750 during a buy bust operation in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City Thursday afternoon.

Jessie Tabanao, PDEA- spokesperson said Bernardino Ompong, 47, a resident of Barangay Bulacao, has been under surveillance for about a month after reports on his alleged illegal activities have reached their office.

Ompong was arrested inside his residence at around 3 p.m. after he handed a pack of suspected shabu to a poseur buyer in exchange for P250. Fourteen other packs of shabu were also recovered from his possession following his arrest.

Tabanao said Ompong is reportedly working as drug courier for one of the big time drug pushers in Cebu City. Most of the suspect’s customers were motorcycle-for-hire drivers and PUV drivers from Minglanilla town.

Ompong admitted said two people on board a motorcycle deliver packs of illegal drugs every other day in his house but he refused to divulge their names.

His cousins, who are also suspected drug couriers were recently arrested by the operatives of the Cebu City Police Office.

Meanwhile, another drug suspect was arrested with 7 packs of illegal drugs, a firearm and several ammunitions by the police officers of Sibonga Police Station at the back of a public school Thursday afternoon.

Confiscated from the possession of Presente “Poloy” Diez, 27, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, were illegal drugs amounting to P3,500; a caliber .45 pistol marked Para Ordinance with one magazine loaded with 14 pieces of live ammunitions, and a Honda XRM motorcycle bearing “for registration” plate.

PO3 Antonio Sanchez, Sibonga police investigator said they received a telephone call from a concerned citizen informing them the presence of an armed person at the back of Sibonga National High School.

Diez was onboard in his motorcycle when the policemen, led by Senior Insp. Allan Rosario apprehended him and brought him to the police station.

“Wala ra man sad siya nipalag or niaksyon og dagan mura’g nakalitan ba,” Sanchez told The FREEMAN.

The police said Diez was detained for illegal gambling last year after he was arrested by the operatives of Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch but he was released after he posted bail.

Intelligence officers have since started monitoring the activities of Diez.

“Mao pa’y pagsugod ani (selling illegal drugs) niya siguro, wa makuntento sa illegal gambling,” Sanchez said.

The two suspects in both operations are facing charges for violation of RA 9165 or illegal possession of illegal drugs while another charge for violation of RA 8294 or illegal possession of firearm was filed against Diez yesterday. (FREEMAN)