3 Arrested in Roxas City Drug Bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Three individuals arrested in a drug buy-bust operation on the night of Oct. 17 in Barangay 1, Roxas City, are facing charges for illegal drugs.

Charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were filed against Jolito Berrer, 48, the homeowner whose house served as a drug den; Michael Sibugan, 44, both of McKinley Street in Barangay 1; and Jother Gonzales, 26, of Barangay Banica, Roxas City.

The charges were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday afternoon last week.

The arrests were made by joint elements from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Capiz and Antique, and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Authorities recovered 20 sachets of suspected illegal drugs worth P200,000, several drug paraphernalia, P500 marked money, and personal cash from the suspects.

According to PDEA Capiz Provincial Officer Maria Melinda Panaguiton, several residents had complained about Berrer’s illegal activities, noting that unidentified individuals frequently visited his house to buy and use illegal drugs.

Berrer denied involvement in the drug trade but admitted that his house was being used as a drug den.

Sibugan, who had previously been jailed for drug-related offenses, denied using illegal drugs, stating that he was released after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.

Meanwhile, Barangay 1 Punong Barangay Odelon C. Molina said Berrer had been on the watchlist of the Barangay Against Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).

Molina said barangay officials had repeatedly advised Berrer to stop his illegal activities, warning that it would ruin his life and harm others.

The three suspects are currently in the custody of PDEA-Capiz for proper disposition.