Habal-habal driver falls in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A habal-habal driver was arrested in a police anti-illegal drugs operation late afternoon of Jan 2, 2023 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Members of Estancia Municipal Police Station nabbed the 38-year-old Roginald Agotera of Purok 4, which is just a few blocks from his home at Purok 1, Barangay Daculan, Estancia.

He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P500.

Lieutenant Arniel Buraga, Estancia police chief, said the suspect is considered a street-level individual (SLI) drug personality.

“Sometimes, he acted as runner for other drug pushers,” he said.

Agotera allegedly started out as a user but turned into drug peddling to sustain his addiction.

“In fact, when he was arrested, he seemed to be high on illegal drugs. He offered no resistance. Parang lutang lang,” Buraga said.

Agotera’s wife is working in Kuwait while he was left home to take of their children.

He had no previous criminal arrest nor was he subjected to Oplan Tokhang.

The suspect used to be an ice cream vendor but shifted as a habal-habal driver after he was able to purchase a motorcycle.

Buraga said the suspect got his supply from Capiz and Iloilo City.

Agotera is now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).