Sarmiento lauds PIB for successful drug raids

CEBU, Philippines - Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento has congratulated the Provincial Intelligence Branch over the arrest of 24 drug suspects in Talisay City last Saturday resulting in the confiscation of at least P1.2 million worth of shabu.

PIB Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra said Sarmiento called him up after seeing the accomplishment in the news on national television.

He said that the DILG secretary told him to keep it up. He was also given the marching order to intensify the efforts against illegal drugs and to “dismantle” drug dens.

Albotra admitted that he was surprised by the gesture of Sarmiento and said it was morale booster for him and his team.

He added that it was his first time to be congratulated by a DILG secretary after a successful operation.

As a result, Albotra vowed to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs especially in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City that is identified as “one of the problem areas” in Cebu.

The operation last Saturday was a result of the continuous case buildup conducted by the PIB after a successful drug raid in Toledo City last month.

A certain Ian was identified and subjected to a buy-bust operation but had eluded arrest. His two female cohorts were arrested and an estimated P1.2 million worth of drugs was seized.

 After the operation Albotra instructed his men to continue monitoring the place. The team received information that Ian transferred his operation to the adjacent sitio where a follow-up operation was immediately conducted, resulting in the arrest of 22 other suspects, including a pregnant woman.

Albotra said the illegal drugs in Tangke, Talisay City were supplied by bigtime drug pushers in Cebu City who reportedly have contacts with the drug lords in Muntinlupa.  (FREEMAN)