Tubungan Drug Suspect Linked to Rape-Slay Case Nabbed

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police have arrested the suspected drug source of the man accused in the Tubungan rape-slay case.

Alias Jerald, 42, was apprehended during a police anti-drug operation on the morning of June 27 at his residence in Barangay Ingay, Tubungan, Iloilo.

He was caught by operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, Tubungan Municipal Police Station, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, and Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.

Authorities said Jerald sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP12,000 during a buy-bust operation.

Following his arrest, police recovered 13 more sachets and eight knot-tied plastic bags of suspected shabu, PHP1,150 in cash, two mobile phones, a .38-caliber revolver with five bullets, and other items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the confiscated shabu weighed around 135 grams with an estimated street value of PHP918,000.

Jerald had reportedly been on police watchlists even before the June 17 discovery of 18-year-old Candie’s body.

Candie lived just five houses or about 200 meters away from Jerald’s home.

Soliman said Jerald’s name surfaced after police arrested alias Alex on May 7 in Barangay Igtuble, Tubungan.

Alex was caught with PHP2.2 million worth of illegal drugs.

Soliman said Jerald was Alex’s downline and allegedly continued the drug operation after Alex’s arrest.

Reports indicated that Aljohn Jalbuna, Candie’s self-confessed killer, drank alcohol at Jerald’s house hours before the crime.

Witnesses also claimed they had a pot session there before the killing.

Police originally planned to transact with Jerald the night before his arrest.

However, he backed out due to the number of people attending Candie’s wake nearby.

He instead agreed to the deal the following morning.

Authorities said Jerald had no prior drug-related arrests but was a former Tokhang surrenderer.

He is now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.