Tejero ‘officials’ linked to drugs

“Officials” of Barangay Tejero, Cebu City are reportedly involved in illegal drugs, said a high-ranking police official.

Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, Police Regional Office-7 director, said the village officials, whose names withheld by cops, are linked to the notorious “Tres Marias,” the suspected big-time drug pushers from Tejero.

“We cannot answer kung pila sila. What I could assure you is we are looking in the possibility kung kinsa to. Kami karon we are concerned now because next week elections (the filing of certificate of candidacy for next year’s midterm elections) na,” Sinas said.

Police Senior Superintendent Remos Medina, chief of Regional Intelligence Division in Central Visayas (RID-7), said they received an intelligence report that the barangay officials are involved in drugs.

He said Tres Marias — Laura Jane dela Cruz Sebumit, Arlene Ruth Arbiol and Maeliza Ann dela Cruz — are the top local shabu distributors.

“Sila ang nag-control sa drug supply sa Tejero, one of the drug hotspots,” he said.

Senior Superintendent Royina Garma, director of Cebu City Police Office, said Tres Marias have a “wide influence.”

“We think malakas sila because may mga affiliations sila and may kasamahan na may influence sa barangay. They have a wide influence,” she said.

Tres Marias were arrested by virtue of a search warrant during the metrowide “One Time Big Time,” an antiillegal drug operation, last Thursday. Seized from their possession were 50 grams of shabu worth P580,000.

The One Time Big Time operation is a brainchild of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Lambat Sibat that aims also to intensify the reduction of crime rates in areas of most concern. It also strengthens the coordination of stations and its units.