CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Four suspects were arrested and P2.7-million worth of suspected shabu and firearms were seized in a police buy-bust Saturday evening in Barangay Cabetican, Bacolor, Pampanga.
The operation was led by the Pampanga Provincial Police Office’s provincial drug enforcement and intelligence units and the Bacolor Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Philippine Drud Enforcement Agency-Region 3.
Seized during the operation were approximately 402 grams of suspected shabu, with a standard drug price of P2,733,600, one Para Ordnance 45 pistol, one .45 magazine with three live ammunition, one Colt Trooper MK-III .38 revolver loaded with three ammunition, one gray Redmi cellular phone, and one gray Hyundai Sonata with plate number TOG 788.
Charges are being prepared against the suspects for violations of Section 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and the Omnibus Election Code, specifically in relation to the gun ban during the election period.
The confiscated firearms will undergo verification to determine their registration status and any possible involvement in criminal activities, police said.
Pampanga police director Col. Jay C. Dimaandal noted that the operation is pursuant to the national campaign against illegal drugs, illicit firearms, and election-related violations, emphasizing that the enforcement of the election gun ban is essential in fostering a climate of fairness and non-violence during the electoral process.
“By removing illegal firearms and dangerous drugs from our communities, we not only reduce the potential for violence but also create a safer environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda hailed the police for “a good job” in their successful operation.
“Pinasasalamatan ko po sila sa masigasig nilang paglaban sa krimen para safe ang ating mga pamilya at baryo,” he said in his Facebook page. Punto News Team/PPPO-PR
