‘Notorious drug pusher’ arrested in Roxas City bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A notorious and elusive illegal drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation on Thursday afternoon, September 19, at Sitio Urban, Barangay Baybay, Roxas City.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Capiz apprehended Peter Niñonuevo, alias “Slide,” around 4 p.m. after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer.

However, his live-in partner, identified as Christine Blanco, also a target in the operation, managed to flee after realizing the buyer was an undercover officer.

Authorities recovered nine additional sachets of suspected shabu, valued at approximately P75,000, as well as several drug paraphernalia and P800 in cash.

According to PDEA Capiz Provincial Officer Maria Melinda Panaguiton, the operation was launched following complaints from several residents about Niñonuevo’s illegal activities in the village.

Niñonuevo admitted to selling illegal drugs, stating that he is prepared to face the consequences of his actions.

The suspect also confessed to being the source of illegal drugs in Barangay Baybay and even extending credit to his clients.

Reports indicated that Niñonuevo had repeatedly evaded arrest in previous operations due to his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Meanwhile, Barangay Baybay Chairman Erwin Oroceo said that although Niñonuevo’s name did not appear on the barangay drug abuse council’s (BADAC) watchlist, he had been under barangay monitoring due to his involvement in several disturbances in the area.

Oroceo added that Blanco, the suspect’s live-in partner, was responsible for obtaining the drug supplies from dealers.

The village chief urged residents to refrain from using illegal drugs, warning that it would not bring any good to them.

“Barangay officials are fully committed to maintaining peace and order in our community,” Oroceo said.