By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Three suspected drug personalities were arrested and approximately 13 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱88,400 were seized during a police buy-bust operation in Sampaloc, Manila, early Saturday, October 31.
The Manila Police District (MPD) reported that operatives of the Sampaloc Police Station’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested the suspects at around 3 a.m. along Prudencio Street near Arevalo Street, Barangay 422, Zone 43, close to the Paltoc Health Center.
Arrested were Joselito Rebusa, 39, alias “Lito”; Michael Buniel, 44, alias “Matu”; and Manilyn Rodrigo, 41, alias “Mani.”
Police identified Buniel and Rodrigo as newly identified suspected street-level individuals and drug users, while Rebusa was not listed in their records.
The operation was led by PCPT Renmar Clifford R. Raval, chief of the SDEU, under the supervision of PLTCOL R.A. Guardaya, Sampaloc Police Station commander.
Authorities recovered four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 13 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱88,400. Also seized were a ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money and a black coin purse.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in Tagalog but opted to remain silent.
The seized substances will undergo laboratory examination at the Manila Police District Forensic Unit. The three suspects also underwent medico-legal examinations and are being held at the station’s custodial facility.
Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for referral to the City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
ia/xf
