PLACER, Surigao del Norte (MindaNews / 17 June) – Nine more persons who claimed to be engaged in the illegal drug trade in this municipality have voluntarily surrendered to authorities this week, police said.
One drug suspect, meanwhile, was collared in a buy-bust operation last Monday.
Chief Insp. Manolito Parazo, Placer police chief, said a total of 72 persons have already surrendered.
“Some of the surrenderees in the previous weeks were giving us the information as to the identities and whereabouts of some other persons involved in the proliferation of drugs,” he said.
The suspects started turning themselves in last May 29, according to the police.
On Monday, three persons surrendered: Ramonito T. Becerro of Barangay Central, Vincent Baquilo of Barangay Anislagan and Armande D. Villasan of Barangay Bad-as.
Three also surrendered on Wednesday, all from Barangay Mabini: Julius P. Tulang, Juniel S. Cesar and Rolando M. Sugman.
Today (Friday), three more surrendered: Christopher A. Hurboda of Barangay Mabini, Concordio O. Sardovia Jr. of Barangay Amoslog and Generito B. Plaza Jr. of Barangay Magsaysay.
“In a span of almost three weeks we have 72 surrenderees, arrested some, and one involved in the drug trade was killed,” Parazo said.
The surrenderees signed a covenant before Placer mayor-elect Micheal Jose Patino.
“These suspected drug pushers voluntarily signed a covenant stating therein that they will no longer engage nor involved themselves in peddling of illegal drugs,” Parazo said.
Also last Monday the town police arrested a suspected drug pusher through a buy-bust operation.
Police identified the drug suspect as Alfredo Resullar Elajas Jr., of Barangay Central.
Parazo said Elajas is listed as number 2 of those suspected to be involved in selling shabu.
Authorities recovered four sachets of suspected shabu and paraphernalia, and a caliber .45 pistol from the possession of the suspect.
A case for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act has been filed against the suspect.
