Habal-habal driver arrested in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City police arrested a 26-year-old former habal-habal driver in a buy-bust operation yesterday afternoon.

Ariel Villavelez of Sitio Kaduloy, Barangay Tisa said he had to sell drugs after his right arm was broken and could not drive as a means of living.

He said he needs P20, 000 to remove the stainless steel fixed in his right arm. He got the injury while playing basketball last year.

He said he wanted the doctors to take out the stainless steel from his right arm so he could drive habal-habal again. 

City Anti-Drug Special Operation Task Group arrested him yesterday noon after he allegedly sold shabu to a police officer.

Police Officer 3 Ian Miñoza posed as a buyer and asked the suspect to sell him P200 worth of shabu.

After he sold two packs of shabu, CAIDSOTG swooped on the suspect and arrested him.

Police recovered a big pack of suspected shabu, 21 small packs of suspected shabu,  and the P200 buy-bust money.

He was brought to Punta Princessa Police Station where he made a request to the arresting officers that he be allowed to celebrate his son's second birthday today.

Despite his plea, CAIDSOTG chief Senior Inspector Eunil Avergonzado said he had to follow the rule of law.

"Maluoy unta ta pero unsaon man naa man tay balaod nga gisunod," he said.

Villavelez will be charged for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Article 2 of R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — (FREEMAN)