‘Kagawad’ denies drug trade involvement

Chielo Tolosa (seated) – a three-termer kagawad of Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan – faces charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PDEA REGION 6/AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

KALIBO, Aklan – A barangay kagawad who was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan has denied she engages in the illegal drug trade.

The 35-year-old resident Chielo Tolosa, a lesbian, is included on the watch list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the province.

Tolosa is a three-termer kagawad of Barangay Caticlan, the main jump-off point to the world-famous Boracay Island.

She was caught after she sold suspected shabu to a poseur-buyer for P500 near her house around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, PDEA said.

But Tolosa said there was no buy-bust operation that happened.

Kahit i-drug test ako hindi talaga ako na-engaged sa drugs,” Tolosa stressed. “Sa barangay, aktib tayo kontra droga. Hindi rin ako protector ng droga. Pinaglaruan tayo ng tadhana.”

Agent Gerald Sanguenza of PDEA Region 6 said Tolosa is a high-value drug target who has been under their surveillance for two months.

Ang suspek ay matagal na sa listahan at na-verify natin na active siya sa pagbebenta ng illegal drugs. May asset tayo na kustomer ng suspek,” Sanguenza added.

Joint elements of PDEA and the Aklan Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) staged the sting operation, which led to the confiscation of two sachets of suspected shabu.

“Priority target natin ang suspek. Under follow up pa natin if may connections siya sa ibang targets natin,” Sanguenza said. “Minsan malaki ang bentahan niya.”

Tolosa, detained at the Kalibo police station lockup facility, was facing charges for violation of sections 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Tolosa’s has a live-in partner identified as Rhonna Gado of Romblon province.

Gado said she was shocked when she learned that Tolosa was arrested over drugs, adding that her live-in partner is not involved in the illegal drug trade.

Matagal na kamimga 11 years. May apat kaming adopted na bata. May sari-sari store ako at paupahan na hotel siya. Doon kami kumukuha ng aming gastusin,” said Gado.

Shed added, “Bumili siya ng pusit sa tindahan. Pauwi na si Chielo nang hinarang siya ng sasakyan. Bigla siyang hinuli ng mga pulis. Hindi siya drug surrenderee at hindi involved sa drugs.” (With a report from Aklan Forum Journal/PN)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here