81 nabbed for drugs, guns, illegal gambling

CEBU, Philippines - At least 81 persons were arrested during an Oplan Pokemon, or One-time Big-time operation, by the Cebu City Police Office Wednesday evening.

Of the number, 31 were caught allegedly for illegal drugs, 35 for illegal gambling, eight had warrants of arrest against them, three were handcuffed for numbered games, and two were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

Items seized during the operation included six medium packs of suspected shabu and 80 small packs of suspected shabu with an estimated total value of P1.27 million; a .38 pistol; a .45 pistol; two illegal gambling machines, two video karera machines; one moli-moli machine; and P2,059 cash believed to be proceeds from illegal gambling.

 Investigation and Detective Management Branch Chief Ryan Devaras said they would conduct more Oplan Pokemon operations.

Meanwhile, in Talisay City during the same evening, policemen responding to a tip by a concerned citizen arrested six persons, including a minor, for allegedly engaging in the illegal drug trade.

Police Officer 1 Romanito Dinapo of Talisay City Police Station said they received information that a certain Rayray was selling drugs in Sitio Litmon, Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City so they immediately acted on it.

The policemen saw at the scene Ling Jun Labajo, 32, a resident of the area and one who was in their target list.

The police said they immediately accosted Labajo, who yielded a medium-sized pack of suspected shabu after he was immediately arrested by the police.

Five of Labajo’s cohorts were also arrested. They were Cris Rim, 22, who had four packs of shabu in his possession; Jonnee Brent Fernandez, 29, five packs; Erwin Badayos, 31, seven packs; Renante Cabunag, 29, eight packs; and another five packs from a 17- year-old boy.

Dinapo said Labajo had already “surrendered” to their station at the height of Oplan Tokhang while the five were “newly identified drug personalities.” All packs of suspected shabu weighed eight grams and were estimated to be worth P95,000.  — Ermida Q. Moradas, Iris Mariani B. Algabre (FREEMAN)