Town government worker arrested in drug bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A local government employee in Sapian, Capiz, was arrested on Sunday night, Sept. 22, during a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Sapian police in Barangay Majanlud.

Police identified the suspect as Jeffrey “Tibo” Pinalba, 51, of Sitio Malinong, Poblacion Sapian, Capiz. Authorities recovered five sachets of suspected shabu and PHP500 in marked money from him.

Pinalba claimed to be a regular employee of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in Sapian.

However, Sapian Mayor Jose Villanueva denied this, stating that Pinalba was an irregular employee.

The mayor also announced plans to conduct random drug tests among municipal workers to identify those involved in illegal drug use.

The suspect admitted to using illegal drugs, with his last use occurring the previous Friday, but he denied ownership of the five sachets recovered during the operation.

According to Capt. Mary Cris Dela Cruz, Sapian police chief, Pinalba had been under surveillance for a significant period before his arrest.

Punong Barangay Erwin Baldisimo of Poblacion, Sapian, confirmed that the suspect was on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council’s (BADAC) watchlist and was considered a high-value individual.

Pinalba is currently in custody at the Sapian police station, with charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, set to be filed against him.