Carpenter arrested for illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines — A suspected drug personality listed on the regional target list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 and the Philippine National Police was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Matab-ang, Barangay Sonog, San Francisco, Cebu, on April 20, 2025, at around 2:40 a.m.

PDEA-7 Acting Regional Director Dir. II Alex M. Tablate identified the suspect as alias Ranulfo, 47, a carpenter and resident of the said area.

Confiscated during the operation, conducted jointly by operatives of the PDEA Cebu Provincial Office and the Cebu Police Provincial Office – San Francisco Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit, were 14 packs of suspected shabu weighing approximately 52.50 grams, with an estimated market value of P357,000. Also recovered were buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.

The confiscated drug evidence has been submitted to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for chemical analysis and proper disposition.

Cases for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the suspect.

PDEA-7 emphasized that in drug-cleared barangays like Sonog, continuous monitoring and validation of reported illegal drug activities remain crucial to maintaining their cleared status.

Meanwhile, on April 19, 2025, a decisive entrapment operation led by the Mandaue City Police Office, in collaboration with the City Intelligence Unit, resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national involved in robbery and extortion.

The operation followed a formal complaint filed by another Chinese national, who reported being extorted for a total of P20,000.

The well-planned sting operation took place at a tea house along Mantawi Drive, Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City.

The 37-year-old suspect was apprehended while accepting the agreed payment during the illicit transaction.

According to the 55-year-old complainant, the suspect had demanded the money in exchange for assistance in clearing a supposed pending warrant of arrest.

In response, Police Station 2 of MCPO, together with the City Intelligence Unit, carried out the entrapment operation at around 6:20 p.m.

Following the arrest, PBGen Redrico Maranan, PRO-7 regional director, issued a strong statement regarding the operation.

“This successful entrapment operation highlights our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and to protect the public, regardless of their nationality or status. We are dedicated to delivering justice and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents and foreign nationals in Cebu," said Maranan in a statement posted on their Facebook page.

Maranan also commended the prompt and professional actions taken by personnel at Police Station 2 of MCPO.

The arrested suspect is currently in custody at Police Station 2, where documentation and the filing of appropriate charges are ongoing.(CEBU NEWS)