“Oplan Pokemon” nets 67 suspected criminals
At least 67 suspected criminals were arrested during a series of anti-crime operations in Cebu City which also resulted in the seizure of almost P1 million worth of illegal drugs, firearms, and illegal gambling paraphernalia.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) intelligence branch deputy chief Senior Inspector John Kareen Escober said the arrests were made as part of the collective efforts of all the 11 police stations in the city.
“With regards to our campaign against illegal drugs, we have confiscated total grams of 81.03 which has a DDB (Dangerous Drug Board) value of P916, 844,” Escober said.
The city police operatives also seized illegal gambling machine and unregistered firearms, whose owners will be charged with violation of the Comelec gun ban. Escober said all forms of criminalities were included in their “Oplan Pokemon.”
In fact, even those caught playing “hantak,” a local gambling using three coins, were not spared. Escober said that eight of those 67 people arrested were just playing “hantak” in Barangay Guadalupe.
A concerned citizen called for police assistance because of the ongoing illegal activity in their area. The police arrested Redzjeil Catapia Buscabos, 18; Jerome Gilig Mancao, 38; Jason Alquizar Malubay, 40; Rodel Erro dela Victoria, 25; Ronilo Bacalso dela Victoria, 54; Rodel Erro Borja, 24; and Randy Casquijo Manigos, 26, all residents of Barangay Labangon, Cebu City; and a certain Jimboy Diguiño Milongo, 22, of Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.
The suspects were playing “hantak” while Milongo was found to have in his possession one medium pack of shabu worth P32,000. The police also arrested two drug personalities in Barangay Ermita who were included in the drugs watch list.
The suspects were identified as Charlito Francisco Orsaez, 40, resident of Barangay Casili, Consolacion and Christian Bahay Sarmiento, 39, resident of Sitio Bato, Ermita, Cebu City. At least P70,000 worth of shabu were seized from their possession.
Meanwhile, three people, including a minor, were arrested during a checkpoint in Barangay San Roque, Talisay City Tuesday evening.
The suspects were identified as William Cabatuan, 30, Ryan Navares, 22, and a 17-year-old boy.
Senior Police Officer 1 Aquiles Cabandos, desk officer, said a team of policemen from Talisay City Police Station led by Supt. Marlu Conag conducted a checkpoint as part of their security measures for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections when they chanced upon the suspects.
The minor was allegedly driving a motorcycle when flagged down at the checkpoint. He was found in possession of illegal drugs. Cabatuan and Navares on the other hand were caught in possession of firearms.
— Patricia Faith T. Santillan and Shaira Nicole M. Ymbong, STC Interns/FPL