Kagawad falls in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A village official added to the growing number of arrested drug personalities in Iloilo province.

Barangay Kagawad Rodolf Baldemor, 37, was arrested 10:45 a.m. of May 13 at his home in Talokgangan, Banate town.

Baldemor was collared after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer.

Members of the Banate Municipal Police Station, Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), IPPO Special Operations Group (SOG), and 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), came in full force as the suspect is residing at a thickly-populated area surrounded by relatives.

Recovered from Baldemor’s possession were 6 plastic sachets of suspected shabu worth P91,000.

Master Sergeant Joelito Babayo II, Banate police investigator, said the suspect had no previous arrest.

However, he was subjected to Oplan Tokhang a few years back.

Despite being a village official, his name is also on the Barangay Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) list, Babayo said.

Police are also checking reports if the suspect was implicated in a shooting incident several years ago.

Prior to Baldemor’s arrest, operatives conducted a test buy that led to a positive acquisition.

Babayo said they’re still investigating where the suspect got his supply.

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