‘Shabu’ seized from two Bakhaw ‘visitors’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two persons with sachets of suspected shabu in their possession were arrested late evening of Jan 31, 2023 at Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Rolando Gonzales, 37, of Rizal Street, La Paz district and Jove Muana, 36, of Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City were nabbed while police were keeping a tight watch on the village due to the purported resurgence of the illegal drug trade.

According to reports, members of the Iloilo City Police Station 5 were conducting a saturation drive around 11:50 p.m. Tuesday when they spotted three persons.

Staff Sergeant Jocsing and Patrolman Madero, who were in civilian clothes, asked the three if they are residents of Bakhaw.

But instead of answering the cops’ query, the trio appeared to have not heard anything and went on walking.

Jocsing and Madero chased them but when they reached an alley, Gonzales allegedly turned and attempted to punch Jocsing, but the latter evaded the blow.

Gonzales attempted to flee but Madero quickly subdued him.

The cops later seized a sachet of suspected shabu from Gonzales and two more from Muana.

Their companion, who is a resident of Bakhaw, had no illegal drugs or weapons in his possession.

Lieutenant Colonel Albert Sy, ICPO City Intelligence Unit (CIU) chief, said Gonzales was jittery with the presence of the police because of a pending drug-related case.

On Dec. 10, 2022, he allegedly evaded arrest during a buy-bust operation.

A case against him was filed three days later.

Sy said a warrant of arrest has yet to be issued against him.

But with his recent arrest, another case for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against him and Muana.