Ex-tanod arrested in PHP541K Iloilo drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former barangay tanod from Balasan, Iloilo, was arrested for allegedly engaging in the illegal drug trade.

Andy Boy Macahilo, 31, of Barangay Tingui-an, Balasan, Iloilo, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation at 9:14 p.m. on September 14.

Members of the Balasan Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for ₱10,000.

Recovered from the suspect were 14 additional sachets of suspected shabu, a belt bag, a walker, a firearm of unknown caliber loaded with three rounds of ammunition, two tanod identification cards, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Lieutenant Arnel Belonio, deputy chief of the Balasan police, said the seized drugs weighed approximately 79.7 grams, with a standard drug price of ₱541,960.

Macahilo had no prior drug-related arrests.

He allegedly received his drug supply from a source who dropped off the contraband at his residence.

Police were alerted to Macahilo’s illegal activities by previously arrested drug pushers.

Macahilo is now in custody and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).