Angeles City—Anti-narcotics operatives arrested 17 persons during simultaneous raids at suspected illegal drugs dens in separate areas in Barangay Balibago, where 25 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride worth P170,000 was seized from the suspects shortly before midnight Tuesday.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 3 director Christian Frivaldo said the raid was the second major anti-illegal drugs operations in that community. The first was conducted early last year.
In his report to PDEA Director General Wilkin Villanueva, Frivaldo said the target of the operations were the illegal drug dens being maintained by siblings Alexander and Eldrix Albarillo, both of Sto. Nino Street, Bgy. Balibago, Angeles City.
He said 10 of the suspects were women who were caught by the raiding teams while on pot session in separate shabu dens. Jess Malabanan
Frivaldo identified the suspects as Michel Salenga, Rosebelle David, 29, of Northville, Brgy. Cutud, Angeles City; Ryan Bundalian, 27, of Maharlika St. Dau, Mabalacat City; Norlyn Agnote, 36, of Kalsadang Bayo, Porac, Pampanga; Raymond Macapagal, 26, of Dau, Mabalacat City and Sherly Bobis, 31, of Sto. Niño St. Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City.
The other suspects held by PDEA3 were Karen Mae Pelle, 27, of Northville, Brgy. Cutud, Angeles City, Mila Florancisco, 29, of Kalsadang Bayo, Porac, Pampanga; Mark Anthony Jandoc, 24, Angelica Caballero, 22, Jennifer Sua, 32, Judith Labanda, 24, Angelica Pelle, 31, and Rolando Arrivado, 45, of Bgy Balibago, Angeles City.
Frivaldo said the two drug dens have been the subject of complaints by residents in the community due to presence of suspicious-looking persons going in and out of both houses owned by Alvarillo brothers.
He said Bgy Balibago Chairman Rodelio ‘Tony’ Mamac sought PDEA help leading to the dismantling of drug dens.
Reached for comment, Mamac said he was instrumental in the demolition of illegal drugs dens. He said surveillance operatons for almost a week have been launched shortly after his office was rocked by complaints by residents.
“PDEA and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Balibago have been closely coordinating by holding series of education campaign on the evil of illegal drugs,” said Mamac, adding that more than a hundred of shabu users underwent self-rehabilitation and psycho-social intervention before they released back to their respective communities.
The suspects were brought to PDEA regional headquarters for further investigation as violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act is being readied against them.