Ex-Drug Surrenderer Nabbed in PHP1.8-M Shabu Bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit seized an estimated 270 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP1.8 million from a former drug surrenderer and his companion in a buy-bust operation in Purok Manayawsayaw, Barangay Mansilingan, on Monday night.

Arrested were alias “Toto,” 40, of Barangay Felisa, and alias “Totong,” 48, of Barangay Mansilingan.

Police Lt. Richard Legada, assistant CDEU chief, said Toto, the subject of the operation, had previously surrendered to authorities under “Oplan Tokhang.”

He added that Toto had been under barangay-level monitoring due to his alleged illegal drug activities and was tagged as a high-value individual.

Legada said Toto’s companion was considered an alleged conspirator in the illegal drug trade.

Also recovered from the suspects were PHP1,000 in marked money and several non-drug items.

Both suspects are detained at Police Station 7.

Meanwhile, a separate buy-bust operation in Barangay 35 did not push through after a 33-year-old man fired warning shots to alert nearby drug personalities on Monday afternoon.

Police Capt. Francis Depasucat, chief of Police Station 1, said alias “Niño” allegedly fired at a police agent and an informant upon spotting them in the area.

The officer and informant were unharmed and immediately took cover.

Depasucat said police did not return fire due to the presence of civilians in the vicinity.

A short chase followed until the suspect entered a house in neighboring Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport, where he changed clothes after crossing a creek.

Depasucat clarified the suspect did not hold the homeowners hostage.

It took police about an hour to negotiate his surrender.

The suspect also pointed out the location of the firearm.

Recovered was a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine loaded with seven live rounds.

Depasucat said the suspect had been arrested for a drug offense in 2019 and was released under a plea bargaining agreement.

He will now face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in relation to the Commission on Elections gun ban, and grave threat.