COTABATO CITY, June 22 (PNA) -- The Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) has intensified its anti-narcotics operations in the region and in North
Cotabato as illegal drug traders continue their trade and are even getting
bolder.
Director Yogi Felimon Ruiz, PDEA-ARMM regional
director, said this as he disclosed the arrest of four persons suspected to be
members of a drug syndicate operating in North Cotabato, Digos City and Davao
City.
Ruiz identified two of the arrested suspects in
drug buy-bust operations over the weekend as van drivers Joemer Villosino, 33,
of Banga, South Cotabato; and Charlito Petalino, 39, of Agdao, Davao City.
Their arrest came after PDEA agents in Davao
City nabbed Nasser Pasandalan Cudales, allegedly a leader of the Matalan drug
syndicate operating in North Cotabato and Davao City.
Ruiz said PDEA-ARMM agents also arrested in a
raid in Kidapawan City a certain Mohammad Mama, 45, laborer and resident of
Sinsuat Street, who has links with Cudales.
PDEA-ARMM Deputy Director III Aileen Lovitos
said the arrests were made following buy-bust operations which also led to the
recovery of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu, from
the suspects.
PDEA agents posed as buyers on two occasions,
with the second attempt already a buy-bust operation.
Ruiz said Villosino and Petalino were arrested
inside a hotel in Barangay Paco, Kidapawan City.
He said appropriate cases for violation of R.A.
9165 have been filed before the Kidapawan City Prosecution Office against the
suspects who are presently detained at PDEA-ARMM Jail Facility, PC Hill,
Cotabato City.
Ruiz also warned drug syndicates that the PDEA and
other concerned government agencies will lower its guards against lawless
elements.
CIDG-11 regional director Sr. Supt. Joel C.
Pernito said Davao City CIDG and PDEA-ARMM have been coordinating because the
illegal drug pushers are operating in the two provinces.
