Barangay captain nabbed in PHP 1.5 million sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A barangay captain was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation on the evening of Feb. 15 in San Dionisio, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect as alias Redan, 52, who was arrested at his house in Barangay Bondulan.

Operatives from the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and the Regional Maritime Unit-Iloilo arrested Redan after police said he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 6,800 to a poseur-buyer.

Police said they also seized 11 more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from his possession.

Capt. Ma. Rosela Buenvenida, the San Dionisio police chief, said the seized drugs weighed about 222 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1.510 million.

Police said Redan is serving a second term as barangay captain.

Authorities said his alleged involvement in illegal drugs was reported two years ago.

Buenvenida said police conducted intermittent surveillance over the past two years before launching the operation Sunday.

Police said Redan allegedly sourced his supply from Estancia and operated in San Dionisio, Concepcion and Sara.

Police said Redan initially denied involvement in illegal drugs but later admitted using drugs.

Buenvenida said the suspect has no previous criminal record.

Redan remains detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.