CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Anti-narcotics operatives arrested a barangay councilman and 11 others during raid at a suspected illegal drugs den along Jasmine Street, Pineda Subdivision, Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City on Sunday.
Noli Allen Laxamanan,39, alias Allen, Councilman of Barangay Balitucan, Magalang, Pampanga, is considered by police authorities as a high-value target being an elected government official.
Supt. Ruel Cagape, officer-in-charge of Mabalacat City police, identified other suspects as Lucindo Halili, 57, alias Ludu, alleged maintainer of drug den; Raden Andong,39, alias Jaw; Emer Tizon, 54, Joseph Bernardo, 28; Andrew Bartolome, 31; Roy Licaycay, 52; Nino Blas, 40; Erwin Navarro, 31; Raul Alegaga, 48; and Arturo Manaloto, 35, all residents of Bgy. Dau, Mabalacat City.
Cagape said Halili was the target of police operation for his alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade in the community. He said the suspect was arrested after he handed a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to poseur buyer.
Halili tried to escape but was pursued by the police leading to his arrest. A group of persons who were allegedly on pot session in one of the residential units were caught by surprised when lawmen barged inside the residence.
Cagape said one of the suspects is overseas Filipino worker who was scheduled to fly for Dubai on Monday (Sept 11).
In Pampanga alone, scores of low-level politicians including barangay captains have been brought behind bars for alleged use and sale of the prohibited substance since the start of illegal drugs campaign.
Seized from the suspects possession include illegal drugs paraphernalia, quantitative amount of shabu and dusted money used in the buy bust.
The suspects are detained at Mabalacat City police as criminal charges are being readied against them.