Drug bust nabs couple in fatal La Paz stabbing case

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The couple linked to the deadly stabbing in La Paz, Iloilo City, was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation on the early evening of March 24.

Alias Badoy, 36, and his live-in partner, alias Tami, 39, both of Barangay San Isidro, La Paz, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in the same area.

Operatives of Iloilo City Police Station 2 seized about 100 grams of suspected shabu from the couple.

Capt. Gimel Acuesta, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 2, said the seized drugs were valued at PHP 680,000.

The arrest came three days after the stabbing incident that killed Tami’s brother, Tyrone Muya, and three members of the opposing Provido family — Johnny Sr., 68, and his sons Johnny Jr., 40, and Joven, 46.

The incident also injured Tami’s two brothers, Gilbert Muya, 39, and GlenMark Muya, 43.

Police considered the couple’s arrest significant because an alleged botched illegal drug transaction between Badoy and Johnny Jr. reportedly triggered the violence.

Reports said the incident started after Johnny Jr., who was allegedly under the influence of liquor, went to the adjacent Muya residence at about 9:40 p.m. on Saturday and confronted Tyrone.

Apparently, Johnny Jr. was looking for Badoy.

According to Virginia, the Provido matriarch, Johnny Jr. was upset after Badoy and Tami allegedly failed to give him the shabu he was buying despite already receiving PHP 1,500.

A heated argument then ensued and led to the stabbing.

Despite the incident, the couple allegedly continued their illegal drug activities.

Acuesta said the couple is on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council watch list of illegal drug personalities.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Police Office chief Col. Wilbert Parilla emphasized the link between illegal drugs and violent crimes and assured the public of continued aggressive operations.

“This incident clearly shows that illegal drugs bring nothing but harm and violence to our communities,” he said.

Parilla also assured the public that the Iloilo City Police Office remains relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs and in ensuring that justice is served.

He also vowed to intensify operations further and hold accountable those involved in criminal activities.