ANTIQUE – A village chief was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation on Friday afternoon, May 29, in Barangay Maragubdub, San Remigio, Antique.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Alvin,” 38, serves as the barangay captain of the said village. He is currently detained at the San Remigio Municipal Police Station (MPS).
During the operation, police recovered 115 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P782,000, along with the buy-bust money and various non-drug-related items.
The entrapment operation was a joint effort led by the Special Operations Unit 6 of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (SOU6, PNP DEG). They were backed by the Antique Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and the San Remigio MPS.
Intelligence reports revealed that the suspect was a previous drug surrenderee who had been placed under close surveillance for nearly a month prior to his arrest.
Charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), commended the operating units for the successful operation.
Tuaño reiterated the PRO-6’s firm stance against illegal drugs even an elected officials.
“This operation is a clear message that no one is above the law. Regardless of position or status in the community, those who engaged in illegal drug activities will be held accountable,” he said.
The region’s top cop added: “We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs, especially targeting high-value individuals, to protect our communities from this menace. I commend our operating units for their coordination, professionalism, and commitment to duty.”/PN
