In a series of successful anti-drug operations across Bacolod and San Carlos cities in Negros Occidental, law enforcement officials seized shabu worth PHP3.6 million along with various weapons. The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) conducted two significant buy-bust operations on Tuesday. The first operation, executed at around 1 a.m. in Purok Gonzaga Extension, Barangay Taculing, resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old man known as alias Kenneth. He was caught after selling a sachet of shabu valued at PHP1,000 to an undercover officer. The police confiscated 220 grams of shabu from him, estimated to be worth PHP1.496 million. Earlier that day, another operation in Barangay 3 led to the arrest of three suspects, identified as alias Jason, 30; alias Johnrey, 30; and alias Charles, 29. They were found with 150 grams of shabu, valued at PHP1.02 million. BCPO Director Col. Joeresty Coronica emphasized the police’s commitment to their intensified anti-drug campaign. In a separate incident in San Carlos City, two suspects, alias Jojo, 31, and alias Dondon, 42, were apprehended following a shootout with a soldier from the 79th Infantry Battalion. The confrontation occurred in Barangay Palampas on Monday afternoon. The suspects were found with 163 grams of shabu worth PHP1.106 million, along with a .45 caliber pistol, a KG 9mm pistol, ammunition, and a grenade. The injured soldier, Sgt. Alfort Servidad Tito, is reported to be in stable condition. First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza from the 79th Infantry Battalion mentioned that they are investigating the possibility of mistaken identity in this case. The two suspects from San Carlos will face charges not only for drug-related offenses but also for violating the Commission on Elections gun ban.
