Ex-cop falls in anti-drug raid
A former police officer considered by the Cebu City Police Office as "high value" target in the ongoing war on drugs was arrested yesterday morning in Barangay Day-as.
Edwin Cabibil, 47, a resident of the barangay, was arrested in a raid conducted by the operatives of Parian Police Station.
Police operatives led by Parian Police Station chief Senior Inspector Dexter Basirgo swooped down on Cabibil's house based on a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Gilbert Moises.
The raiding team seized 10 medium and six small packs of shabu from Cabibil with an estimated value of P82,000.
The suspect was included in the drug watch list and was among those who previously surrendered in the Oplan Tokhang. He can reportedly dispose of at least 200 grams of shabu every week.
Basirgo said Cabibil was placed under surveillance for one month after receiving persistent reports about his illegal activities.
Basirgo said they also conducted a test buy operation prior to applying for search warrant. Cabibil admitted his involvement in the illegal drug trade.
He said he was forced to sell drugs to support the education of his six children. He was dismissed from the police service in 2001 after he went on absent without official leave (AWOL).
Cabibil, who was then Police Officer 1, said he decided to leave the police service because his salary was no enough to meet his family's ends. His last assignment was in Bohol as member of the Regional Mobile Group-7.
"Nag-awol ni siya kay matud pa niya gamay og sweldo kay napuno sa loan, dili man pud na sala sa organization kung mag-loan ang pulis," Basirgo said.
Police Regional Office7 director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said Cabibil's arrest proves that no one is exempted in the campaign against illegal drugs.
"Wala tayong pinipili dito, pulis, ex-pulis man, o civilian ay nag-conduct tayo ng police operation," he said.