Three arrested in Iloilo drug stings

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three individuals were arrested in recent drug operations in Iloilo province.

Joel Bermil, 39, and Arjan Rivera, 24, both from Barangay Nalumsan, Carles, Iloilo; and Jaypee Figueroa, 39, from Barangay Carmelo, Banate, Iloilo, are now in police custody.

The Balasan Municipal Police Station members arrested Bermil and Rivera during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balanti-an, Balasan at about 11:45 p.m. on May 8.

The two allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth P3,500. Police also seized 11 more sachets of suspected shabu, various non-drug items, and a 12-gauge shotgun during the operation.

Captain Renzo Martinez, Balasan police chief, reported that the drugs seized from Bermil and Rivera weighed about 60 grams and were valued at approximately P408,000.

Figueroa was arrested at 12:05 p.m. on Thursday in Barangay Managopaya, Banate. He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P1,000 to an undercover officer.

The operation, conducted by the Banate Municipal Police Station along with the PNP Regional Intelligence Division and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, resulted in the seizure of an additional 14 sachets of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia.

The drugs from this bust weighed around 50 grams and had an estimated value of P340,000.

All three suspects are being detained and will be charged under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).

Additionally, Bermil and Rivera will face charges under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).