AWOL cop, 2 others nabbed in Iloilo drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A police officer who went absent without official leave and two other individuals were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of June 18 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects only as alias To Pepit, the 60-year-old former police officer from Navais village; alias Mark, 37, a mechanic from Barangay Katilingban, Molo; and alias Noel, 47, of Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district.

Personnel of the Iloilo City Police Station 10 apprehended the suspects after To Pepit allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 15,000.

Police also recovered three more sachets and three knot-tied plastic sachets of suspected shabu, along with several drug-related and non-drug items.

Capt. Lester Oliveros, ICPS 10 chief, said the seized illegal drugs weighed around 200 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,360,000.

Oliveros said only To Pepit was the target of the operation, but his two alleged cohorts were present during the buy-bust.

The former police officer was dismissed from the service a long time ago.

He had previously been arrested for violation of Republic Act 6425, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, which was superseded by Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Oliveros said the suspect sourced his supply from another drug personality based in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The three suspects are detained and will be charged with violation of RA 9165.