Barangay chief, pal nabbed in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay chairman and his mechanic friend were arrested in a buy-bust operation Friday at Barangay Punta Tabuc in Roxas City.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-6 collared Barangay Chairman Diaster Genoves, 34, of Pili, Panay, Capiz and Arturo “King” Sarosa, 31, the alleged owner of the drug den where the buy bust operation took place.

Genoves allegedly handed a sachet of shabu to a poseur buyer in consideration of P1,000. When frisked, PDEA-6 agents confiscated sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and a .45-caliber pistol owned by Sarosa.

Genoves, however, denied he had a hand in the illegal drugs transaction but admitted that he has been an occasional drug user. He also accused PDEA-6 members of extorting money from him.

Regional director Ronnie Delicana of PDEA-6, however denied Genoves' allegations. “He (Genoves) was put under surveillance for three months. As per information we received, he has been pushing drugs for over a year already,” he said, adding that Genoves has been the one allegedly selling shabu to customers of pension houses in Roxas City.

Genoves and Sarosa are now detained at the City Police and will be charged with violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act). (FREEMAN)