Davao Norte drug bust nets 6 ‘high-value targets’

Davao Norte drug bust nets 6 ‘high-value targets’
By Rhoda Grace Saron

DAVAO CITY (Philippines News Agency) — A team of anti-narcotics agents and policemen arrested “six high-value targets” (HVT) and dismantled an alleged drug den during a buy-bust operation on Sunday in Barangay Magugpo South, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Antonio Rivera, director of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 11 (PDEA-11), identified the arrested suspects as Joey Villanueva, Rowena Demetria (drug den maintainer, HVT), Jesson Montillano (HVT), Janneco Barroquna (HVT) , Rommel Abellon (HVT), Manuel Ayado Jr. (HVT), and Bienvenedo Quilario (HVT).

Rivera said the operation also resulted in the seizure of around 11 grams of shabu.

“It is a typical boarding house used as a drug den,” Rivera said of the residence where the suspects were nabbed.

According to Rivera, Villanueva and his two visitors (Montillano, Quilario) were newly-released from the (Tagum) City Jail after posting bail for drug-related charges.

“Paglabas nila balik na pod sila og dula (After their release they again engaged in illegal drug activities),” he said.

Also on Sunday, a joint PDEA and Philippine National Police team conducted buy-bust operations in Purok 6, Berrio Site, Barangay San Miguel and in Purok 1-A San Miguel, all in Tagum City that resulted in the arrests of Andy Valderama Lara and Omar Oliva Diama.

Operatives confiscated from the suspects around two grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP24,000. The arrested suspects are now in the custody of PDEA Davao del Norte pending the filing of appropriate charges against them.

Police Regional Office-11 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales lauded the operatives for “a job well done,” adding that PRO-11 will continue its relentless campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in the region. (PNA)