Financiers pursued after Ubay drug ops

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office – 7 is pursuing at least two drug financiers in Bohol following the death of one Romulo Caño in an operation Friday in the town of Ubay, which led to the arrest of four of his companions. 

Chief Supt. Prudencio Bañas, PRO-7 director, said the financiers they are pursuing are also considered Level 1 drug pushers. He admitted arresting them is a challenge. 

“Kasi meron na silang mga tao at sila magbibigay na lang ng drugs… hindi talaga sila yung nagbenta,” Bañas said.

He said they are looking into the possibly that possible cohorts of these financiers are operating in Cebu province because the ‘financial engagements’ are reportedly too high. 

Supt. Conrad Capa, deputy regional director for operation, said they will be decoding the contents of the blue book confiscated during the operation in Ubay so determine the people in the list.

“We are yet to study it and get its information,” Capa said.

Caño was gunned down by the team led by Supt. Rex Derilo at his residence in Barangay Achile at 2:45a.m. He was declared dead at the hospital.

A certain Romulo Cabrera was also injured in the operation conducted by a separate team led by Sr. Insp. Romeo Sentinta in Barangay Poblacion. He is now recuperating at a hospital in Ubay.

Both houses were owned by Caño and were allegedly used as safe houses.

Those arrested were identified Raymond Cutaran, 20; Felixberto Escalante, 47; Ramon Toyac, 43; and Randy Quiros, 39, all from Ubay town.

The authorities hatched the operation by virtue of a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Gilbert Moises in Cebu City.

Recovered during the operation were a rifle grenade, a fragmented grenade, AR15 rifle, three pieces KG9 pistols, a .45 pistol with magazine and a holster, four pieces KG9 magazines, 97 pieces of 9mm bullets, 18 pieces of .45 caliber bullets, seven pieces .357 bullets, assorted drug paraphernalia, two medium and five small packets of shabu to worth P160,000, P23,000 cash believed as proceeds, and “blue books” containing the lists of collectibles.

The suspects were cohorts of former cop Owen Rosales who was killed in a follow up operation in relation to the killing of former Ubay police chief, Chief Insp. Roger Caña two months ago.  (FREEMAN)