Drug peddler escapes Capiz bust, caught in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A suspected drug peddler, who had been on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) Capiz target list, was arrested early on November 3 in Iloilo City.

Vincent Halican, a vendor from Barangay Dangula, Dumarao, Capiz, was apprehended inside the Iloilo Terminal Market in the City Proper district at around 3:54 a.m. on Thursday.

The operation was conducted by Dumarao Municipal Police, in coordination with PDEA Capiz and Iloilo, the 2nd Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

Halican was arrested under a warrant for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), as outlined in Criminal Case No. C-20-2086-03.

Judge Rommel Leonor of the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz, issued the arrest warrant on September 30, 2020, with no bail recommended.

Halican had previously evaded arrest during a buy-bust operation in January 2020 at Barangay San Miguel, Dumalag, Capiz.

When he realized he was dealing with a police poseur-buyer, he pushed the operative and fled on a motorcycle.

Following his arrest in Iloilo City, Halican was placed under the custody of the Dumarao Police Station.

He is now detained and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).