By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/ PNA
MANILA — Authorities arrested two suspects and seized PHP3.5 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Manila on Monday morning.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar identified the suspects as Porferio Pementera, 39, and Orlando Naguinlin, 56, who were arrested inside an apartment unit in Sampaloc, Manila.
Investigation showed the suspects are members of Pementera Criminal Gang engaged in drug trafficking whose area of operation includes Manila and Quezon City.
Eleazar said the group is connected to local narco-politicians, including former barangay councilor Ronnie Labongray who died during a police operation on March 28.
He added that they are also connected to high-value target “ninja cops” engaged in drug trading activities, particularly that of a certain Jolly Aliangan, who is currently detained at the Manila City Jail.
Recovered from the suspects were 516 grams of shabu, one firearm and other drug paraphernalia.
A barangay watchman identified as Joseph dela Cruz was also arrested after allegedly trying to impede the operatives.
Cases for violation of Section 5 and 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) in relation to Omnibus Election Code are being prepared against Pementera and Naguinlin while dela Cruz will be charged with obstruction of justice.
Police are also looking into the possible liability of the barangay chairperson who owns the raided apartment.
“We are checking on the source of the drugs. We have a group whom we are suspecting as the source and that will be the basis of the next operation,” Eleazar said.
The Metro Manila top cop called on the public to help and cooperate with authorities by reporting information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in various criminal activities.
“We will not allow those who seek to sow terror in our communities. We will arrest those who defy the law and commit atrocities against the people and bring them to the bar of justice and make them accountable for their crime,” the NCRPO chief added.
