Former barangay tanod arrested in Sigma drug sting

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police arrested a former barangay tanod Wednesday evening, Feb. 25, during a search of his house in Purok 2, Ilaya, Poblacion Sur, Sigma, Capiz.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Anthony,” 38, unemployed, married and a resident of the area.

Authorities said they recovered sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, aluminum foil, crumpled aluminum foil, an empty cigarette pack containing suspected shabu, three lighters, a coin purse and other items with suspected drug residue.

Police estimated the seized shabu at about 45 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 306,000.

Barangay captain Nonoy Palomar said the suspect was listed by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, or BADAC, and had been under surveillance before the operation.

Police said the search warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Rommel L. Leonor of Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz.

The operation was conducted by Sigma police led by Maj. Marvin R. Balmes, police said.

The suspect remained under the custody of the Sigma police station as authorities prepared to file charges under Republic Act 9165.