Quezon lawmaker's brother, nephew arrested in drug raid

Anti-narcotics agents arrested before dawn yesterday the younger brother and nephew of Rep. Proceso Alcala of the second district of Quezon province during a drug raid in their house in Lucena City.

Cirilo Alcala and his son Shajid were caught possessing 30 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, more popularly known as shabu, and several drug paraphernalia by joint operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 4-A, Regional Mobile Group 4-A and Lucena police during the operation at Barangay Cotta.

Authorities also arrested Gina Balicas, the older Alcala’s reported live-in partner, and recovered a 9mm caliber Taurus pistol with two magazines and two fruit game machines from the house.

Charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) as well as illegal possession of firearms were immediately filed against the suspects, who are currently detained at the office of PDEA Region 4-A.

PDEA Director General Dionisio Santiago said the arrest was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Reynaldo Ros on Sept. 2.

Santiago said that the arrested suspects had long been subjects of several complaints for drug trafficking activities in their area.

The PDEA chief lauded his men and vowed to pursue the intensified campaign against illegal drugs without discrimination.

“This arrest should serve as stern warning to all drug suspects - that we will go after them no matter who they are connected with. Kahit kamag-anak ng mga pulitiko basta may nilabag na batas sa droga kailangan managot,” he said.

The Alcalas are a known political clan in Quezon province. Proceso’s brother, Kulit, is also an elected member of the provincial board. – With Michelle Zoleta and Ed Amoroso