Awol Soldier, Cop Among 5 Nabbed in PHP2-M Drug Busts

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – An absent without leave (AWOL) soldier and three other high-value individuals were arrested Tuesday afternoon, July 8, in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Dacuton, Dumarao, Capiz.

The Capiz Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Dumarao Municipal Police Station and under the supervision of Provincial Director Col. Albert D. Tapulao, apprehended the following suspects:

• Alias Owaw, 44, of Barangay Dacuton
• Alias Chard, 47, of Roxas City
• Alias Noel, 62, and alias Cecil, 45, both residents of Barangay Astorga, Dumarao

Police said alias Noel is a former Philippine Army soldier who went AWOL.

Authorities seized approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu placed in 43 plastic sachets, with an estimated street value of PHP2.04 million.

The suspects are currently detained at the Dumarao Municipal Police Station.

Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against them.

The successful operation highlights the Capiz Provincial Police Office’s ongoing commitment to combat illegal drug activity in the province.

Police urged the public to continue reporting information that may lead to the arrest of drug suspects.

Meanwhile, an AWOL police officer was arrested Sunday afternoon, July 6, in a separate drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Cudian, Ivisan, Capiz.

Alias Dodoy, 58, of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Ivisan, has been charged with violations of RA 9165 before the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Police Maj. Ruby Magallanes, Ivisan police chief, said a sachet of suspected shabu was seized from the suspect in exchange for PHP7,000 in buy-bust money.

Three more sachets of suspected illegal drugs were later recovered from him.

Magallanes confirmed that the suspect is a former PNP member assigned to Quezon City who went AWOL.

The police identified Dodoy as a high-value individual in Ivisan.

He is currently in the custody of the Ivisan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

The operation was carried out by joint elements of the Mambusao, Sigma and Ivisan police stations, along with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, after a month-long surveillance and monitoring.