Councilman’s son falls for drug links

CEBU, Philippines – A barangay councilman’s son was among those arrested when police implemented a search warrant yesterday morning in Barangay Inayagan, City of Naga.

Police arrested the subject of the search, Jeric “Du” Badayos, 35, along with Antonio Olpenario, 19, and Mieco Bariquit, 32.

The operation was led by Superintendent Jovito Canlapan, chief of City of Naga Police Station. The warrant was issued by RTC Branch 19 Judge Wilfredo Navarro.

Canlapan said they conducted surveillance on Badayos for a month as they received information of his alleged involvement in illegal drug trade.

He added that Badayos’ father, a councilman, even cooperated with them and did not attempt to cover up his son's illegal activities.

Badayos’ parents have reportedly always advised their son to quit on the drug business but the latter would not take heed.

Authorities seized three small sachets of illegal drugs; drug paraphernalia; weighing scale; test tubes; .9mm pistol with five live ammunition; 12 empty shells of .9mm; .22 rifle; CCTV camera and monitor inside Badayos’ residence.

All three suspects will face charges in relation to RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In Lapu-Lapu City, police also seized an estimated P100,000 worth of illegal drugs in Sitio Saac, Barangay Buaya on Tuesday morning from a certain Leon Maglasang, 18, resident of the area.

Maglasang fell to authorities in a buy-bust operation led by Senior Inspector Wayne Magbanua of Pusok Police Station.

Some 48 small sachets and two medium packs of suspected shabu were confiscated from Maglasang.

Aside from prohibited drugs, police also confiscated from the suspect one live ammunition round, a piece of misfired bullet, drug paraphernalia and alleged illegal proceeds amounting to P5,100. Police also recovered their P200 buy-bust money.

Maglasang is now detained in Lapu-Lapu City Police Office holding cell and is set to face appropriate charges. (FREEMAN)