Six arrested in Iloilo City drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Six people were arrested following a police anti-narcotics operation in Jaro, Iloilo City, on the afternoon of July 10.

The illegal drug sting led to the arrest of Ernesto Pinpin Jr., 34; Rodel Gregori, 21; and his sister, Maria Luisa Sinfuego, 33. All are residents of Barangay Desamparados, where the operation was conducted.

Also arrested were Ildrian Pareja, 22, of Barangay Tuburan Sulbod, Zarraga, Iloilo; Carlo Anoche, 42, of Mulle Loney St., City Proper, Iloilo City; and Mark Anthony Obapial, 41, also of Desamparados village.

Another suspect, known as Praning, evaded arrest after Obapial allegedly obstructed police operatives from pursuing him.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, together with the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) and Iloilo City Police Station 9, apprehended the suspects after a buy-bust operation at Gregori’s residence.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said Pinpin and Praning were the targets of their operations. They allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P15,500.

Recovered from the suspects’ possession were eight sachets of suspected shabu and some non-drug items. Soliman stated that the seized drugs weighed around 75 grams and had a standard drug price of P510,000.

Police operatives believe Pareja and Anoche were in the area to buy shabu during the buy-bust operation.

A profile check revealed that Anoche had a previous drug-related case. Pinpin, on the other hand, has no prior drug-related case but was jailed for a robbery case.

The six arrested suspects and Praning will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).