Gov’t worker among five caught in P1.4-M shabu busts

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – In a span of coordinated operations, five individuals, including one government worker, were apprehended last Wednesday in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, with seized shabu totaling P1,496,000.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) led the charge, confiscating P1,047,200 worth of the substance across Barangays Pahanocoy and Alijis.

The operation’s major catch was in Pahanocoy, resulting in the arrest of Leodegario Asuncion Jr., 26, from Barangay Handumanan, who purportedly possessed 101 grams of shabu valued at P686,800, alongside P500 marked money.

Police Major Eugene Tolentino of Police Station 8 recounted that Asuncion was previously detained for a similar charge but was released on probation, leading to persistent surveillance that culminated in his recent capture.

Subsequent action in Barangay Alijis netted Jose Rizal Villalobos Jr., 37, with police recovering 53 grams of shabu worth P360,400, P1,000 marked money, and P1,400 from his residence.

Police Captain Andy Ofalia of Police Station 7 detailed that Villalobos, previously exonerated from a drug charge, was rearrested following reports of his continued involvement in drug distribution, warranting his classification as a high-value target due to the significant drug haul.

Additionally, PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team Bravo detained 45-year-old Hylle Parcia in Jonob-Jonob, Escalante City, seizing seven sachets of shabu valued at P340,000 and P5,000 marked money.

This operation was a concerted effort with PDEA-Negros Occidental, PDEA’s Special Intelligence Unit, and the Escalante City Police Station.

In another related incident, Silay City Police apprehended a job order casual employee and a companion, both 34, in Barangay E. Lopez for possessing 16 grams of shabu worth P108,800, along with P4,800 marked money.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca pointed out that the government employee had a past drug offense dating back to August 2019, from which he was released through a plea bargaining agreement.

This marks the fourth arrest involving a government worker in drug-related incidents in the city.