Three collared in P1.9-M shabu bust in Iloilo City

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police scored another significant victory in their anti-illegal drug campaign in Iloilo City on February 27.

The operation led to the arrests of Ronald Rendon, 41, from Barangay Tanza Bonifacio, City Proper district; Rodalyn Bautista, 20, from Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao; and Jhemmark Geronda, 27, from Zone 1, Barangay Calumpang, Molo.

Rendon and Bautista, who are currently residing at Zone 6, Barangay Sto. Niño Norte, Arevalo, were apprehended where the sting took place.

The joint effort by members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU-6), along with operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) and Iloilo City Police Station 1, resulted in the suspects’ capture.

They were allegedly involved in selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P12,000.

During the operation, authorities seized an additional 16 sachets and four knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, a caliber .38 revolver, P750 in cash, a mobile phone, and various non-drug-related items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 280 grams and were valued at a street price of P1,904,000.

Rendon was the primary target of the sting. Bautista is reported to be Rendon’s girlfriend, while Geronda is purportedly their client.

Soliman noted that Rendon has a history of previous drug-related arrests.

It took RPDEU-6 operatives two months of diligent work to successfully apprehend the suspects. The police have identified the source of the suspects’ drug supply.

The suspects are now detained and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.