11 arrested in Pandacan drug den

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested Thursday 11 suspected drug pushers during a raid on an alleged drug den in Pandacan, Manila, officials said yesterday.

Pandacan police station chief Superintendent Abad Osit said the drug den along Kahilum street was reportedly operated by Rogelio Makasiar and his wife, Lilibeth, who are still at large.

Osit said the couple’s neighbors allegedly acted as pushers and couriers of illegal drugs.

Police seized 17 plastic sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia in the house.

Osit identified the arrested suspects as Nicolas Cunanan, 39; Elmer Adajar, 22; Herminio Reyes, 48; Gilbert Domingo, 37; Danill Avecilla, 18; Jerone Domingo, 20; Jodel Garcia, 20; Evangeline Pasquin, 45; Lourdes Mallari, 40; Ernida Domingo, 30; and Teresa Villarante.

The arrested suspects and the Makasiars were charged with violating the anti-drugs law.

Osit said the neutralization of the Pandacan drug den forms part of the police’s supply reduction strategy to eradicate illegal drugs in Manila. – Nestor Etolle