Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday, lauded the arrest of five “high-value individuals” and seizure of 27.27 kilos of illegal drugs and paraphernalia with an estimated street value of P176.2 million during a buy-bust operation in Taguig City conducted on Saturday, Dec. 13.
“There is no safe place for drug syndicates in Metro Manila or anywhere in the country. It doesn’t matter how big your operation is, you will be found and brought before the law,” he said.
The suspects were identified as John Walter Bernaldo Carlos, 24, from General Trias City, Cavite; Danny San Jose Ordoñez, 54; Alvin Zabala Escovidal, 29, from Brgy. Rizal, Taguig City; Joniel Coricor Almeda, 40, from Tanay, Rizal; and Elmer Rabanes, 25, from, Napindan Taguig City.
A joint operation led by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit National Capital Region, with support from the Southern Police District Intelligence Division and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), resulted in the arrest of the five suspects around on C6 Aura Duterte Street, Purok 5, Brgy. Napindan.
Operatives confiscated more than 25.5 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P173.4 million, about 1.77 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana (kush) valued at P2.6 million, and 140 pieces of marijuana oil cartridges worth P210,000.
Also seized from the suspects were the buy-bust money, a Glock 17 pistol with four live ammunitions, five mobile phones, and four identification cards.
Nartatez commended the operating units for the “decisive and disciplined law enforcement action.”
“This operation is a major accomplishment of the Philippine National Police in our continuing campaign against illegal drugs. I commend the personnel of PNP DEG, SOU NCR, together with SPD and PDEA, for their professionalism and coordination,” Nartatez said.
“It is clear that the PNP is serious and continuous in the fight against illegal drugs. We will not stop until we stop the operations of the syndicates that are destroying our communities,” he added.
Nartatez said the seizure of the illegal drugs effectively disrupted a major drug supply line intended for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“This seizure is highly significant. With more than 27.27 kilos of illegal drugs taken off the streets, thousands of Filipinos were saved from the harm caused by illegal drugs,” he noted.
Nartatez also stressed that the PNP will sustain pressure against organized drug groups.
Following the operation, Nartatez directed DEG and intelligence units to conduct immediate follow-up operations to determine possible links to larger drug syndicates.
“This is not just about arrests and confiscation of illegal drugs. This is also about protecting our communities, especially the youth, and enforcing the rule of law,” he said.
