Scion of Carles political family falls in drug sting

By Jenifer P. Rendon

A relative of a political family in Carles, Iloilo was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation early morning of Feb. 26.

Alias Eul, 37, of Barangay Bancal, Carles, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at Bancal Port around 1:52 a.m.

He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 1,500 to a police poseur buyer.

Eul was found with five more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

Maj. Sonny Boy Garnace, Carles police chief, said the seized drugs have an estimated value of PHP 95,200.

Garnace confirmed that Eul is the nephew of former Mayor Sigfredo Betita of Carles.

He is also the cousin of the town’s incumbent mayor and vice mayor.

In an interview, Betita said he was glad about Eul’s arrest.

He added that Eul used to be a casual employee at the vice mayor’s office but was dismissed over reports of his alleged illegal activities.

The suspect owns a computer shop and a store in Carles.

Reports said that even Eul’s cousins have hailed the police action in apprehending the suspect.

Garnace said the suspect is on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council watchlist of illegal drug personalities.

He was reportedly involved in sporadic illegal drug trade for several years before his arrest.

But recently, Garnace said they monitored that he had become active in drug pushing.

Carles is a coastal municipality in the northeastern tip of Iloilo province, known as a major fishing hub and gateway to the Gigantes Islands. The Betita family has been a prominent political clan in the town for several decades.

Eul is presently detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.