Outgoing Hilongos Police chief scores against illegal drugs

HILONGOS, LEYTE, Philippines – Senior Insp. Alberto Renomeron will be ending his tour of duty as police chief of this town this week with an exclamation point by apprehending a suspected drug pusher in a buy-bust operation over the weekend.

Renomeron immediately organized a buy-bust team upon confirmation from an asset that the suspect, 46-year-old Victor Pontejo, a legitimate plastic wares businessman, has been selling illegal drugs also.

The police team, accompanied by a DOJ representative, two barangay officials and this correspondent of The Freeman, proceeded to the flea market where Pontejo was located to conduct the buy-bust.

When about to be arrested, Pontejo tried to escape but was overwhelmed by the police. Even in handcuffs after the scuffle, Pontejo did not let go of the transparent plastic bag, which during the search yielded four sachets of crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

A total of P6,670 in cash, including the marked money and other items were confiscated and taken with the suspect to the police station where Pontejo is now detained to face charges of violation of R.A.9165, the law on illegal drugs.

Mayor Jose Emery Roble on Sunday conferred on Renomeron a certificate of commendation for the successful operation against a suspected drug pusher in his town, and told The Freeman that it served as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

“Playing safe is always in the minds of any outgoing public servants, but not Renomeron. He demonstrated what a real professional public servant should do,” Roble said.

Renomeron later said: “As a professional police official, I will do my duty up to the last minute. With the full support of Mayor Roble, I never hesitated to act because I know that he has been against illegal drugs.” - THE FREEMAN