Brgy captain, 3 others arrested in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - Another barangay captain was arrrested in an anti-illegal drug operation yesterday noon in Dumangas, Iloilo.

Teopisto Gomez, 56, of Barangay Calao, was arrested along with Judy Demafeliz, 35, of Barangay Ilaya; Michael Libo, 30, of  Calao; and Mark Jason Diamante, 22, of Poblacion, all of Dumangas town.

Recovered from their possession were six sachets of suspected shabu, cash of P2,850, and several drug paraphernalia.

Incidental to their arrest was the recovery of a Colt AR15 M16 rifle with serial number 563809 and an STI Tactical Cal.40 with serial number 212575 loaded with eight ammunition.

Senior Inspector Jonathan Pinuela, Dumangas police chief, said they are still verifying if the two firearms are licensed.

The suspects have failed to present any documents on legality and ownership of the seized firearms.

Pinuela noted that Gomez has been put under surveillance for quite sometime after reports pointed to his drug peddling activities.

It can be noted that credibility of some barangay officials in the government's fight against illegal drugs have been in question because of their alleged involvement in the said activity.

Last March, a former barangay captain was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Iloilo City.

John Roberto, whose father is now the barangay captain of  Tanza Timawa Zone 2, was collared with two sachets of suspected shabu worth P120,000 and P2,000 marked money.

Last year, several barangay officials were also arrested.

Members of Anilao Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-6 arrested Meliton Buyco, 46, barangay captain of Lopez Jaena Street., Poblacion, in a buy-bust operation. —/JMD (FREEMAN)