A suspect apprehended by a police during the massive drug raid at Barangay West Crame. (UNTV News)
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — An active police personnel was among 33 suspects arrested by Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force in a drug raid at Brgy. West Crame, San Juan.
Through a search warrant, the PNP AIDSOTF raided 12 houses in Brgy. West Crame, San Juan City Monday morning.
As early as 2:30 a.m., a total of 160 AIDSOTF personnel held a briefing with an augmentation force from the National Capital Region’s regional public safety battalion.
Around 3:00 a.m., the convoy proceeded to the area.
The AIDSOTF operatives arrested a total of 33 individuals, including an active police personnel and a former barangay police.
The police personnel was identified as PO2 Ronaldo Baltazar currently assigned at headquarters support service.
According to AIDSOTF, they were targeting 15 of the arrested, however they included the other three for verification because they were seen inside the house where illegal drug items were seized.
The house known in the area as “Malacañan,” was among the 12 houses that the AIDSOTF operatives had searched. It has a narrow staircase where only one person can pass, but when one reaches inside it reveals 10 small rooms.
Inside these rooms was where the operatives had found packets of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia.
Barangay Chairman Teodoro Calaunan Sr. was relieved that the said operation was a success.
AIDSOTF Chief PSSupt. Antonio Gardiola said, they had been receiving a lot of complaints about the rampant illegal drug trade and use in the area.
“inuumpisahan natin sa sariling bakuran natin sa pamamaraan nang pakikipag coordinate sa mga opisyales dito. Nag conduct muna tayo ng barangay awareness. Hinikayat yung mga residente dito at opisyales na makipagtulungan sa mga otoridad.”
(We are starting with our own vicinity here through the coordination of the local officials. We are conducting barangay awareness, encouraging the residents and local officials to help the authorities.)
Newly designated DILG Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento expressed support for AIDSOTF’s campaign to “neutralize these tiangge operators and big time dealers.”
The PNP chief also reiterated his statement that PNP has no place for corrupt policemen.
Gardiola said their operation against illegal drugs will push through in barangays. (LEA YLAGAN / UNTV News)
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