• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Police seized 4.2 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P28,560,000 from a high-value target during a buy-bust operation on Tuesday night, May 19, in Purok Fatima, Islamic Center, Barangay 31, Bacolod City.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director PCol. Eugene Rebadomia confirmed that the operation yielded the largest drug recovery by local police in the past three years.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias ‘Risa,’ 36, a sari-sari store vendor and resident of the area.
The BCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit initiated the sting after the suspect sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.
Law enforcement officers recovered seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and five knot-tied plastic bags containing the illegal substance.
Despite the massive haul, Rebadomia clarified that the suspect is not considered a “Drug Queen” because she functions strictly as a courier managed by a handler.
According to Rebadomia, they observed that women were increasingly used as drug couriers as a tactical shift, making them less prone to suspicion.
Intelligence reports indicate that the seized drug supply may have originated from Luzon.
While the suspect has no previous criminal record, she is a listed drug surrenderee whose name had already surfaced as a courier in previous buy-bust operations.
Intelligence data further revealed that aside from retailing shabu, she also operated as a distributor for several barangays across Bacolod City.
The suspect is currently detained at Bacolod City Police Station 6 and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.*TMD
COMMENDED
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya commended the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and allied law enforcement agencies, following the successful anti-illegal drug operation. The leadership of BCPO Director Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia was recognized and the mayor lauded the continued efforts of local authorities in intensifying anti-illegal drug operations in the city.
“The City Government would like to congratulate the PNP and all allied agencies, especially PCOL Eugene Rebadomia and the Bacolod City Police Office. This is one of the biggest accomplishments of the Bacolod PNP this year. This is why the city consistently supports our police force because they remain on top of the situation when it comes to law enforcement and the arrest of individuals involved in illegal drugs,” Gasataya said.
According to a statement, the mayor also highlighted the City Government’s continued support for the police force through various initiatives aimed at strengthening mobility and operational capability.
Earlier this year, the City Government formally turned over 11 electric vehicles to various police stations in Bacolod to improve police visibility, response time, and operational efficiency.
In addition, the Philippine National Police provided BCPO with one Tourist Police Unit to further enhance security and assistance in key tourism and public areas across the city.
The mayor likewise noted that the city increased the allowance of BCPO personnel beginning this year as part of its continuing recognition and support for the sacrifices and service of the police force.
Gasataya also acknowledged the recent accomplishments of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the region.
“We would also like to congratulate the PDEA because just last week, their regional director personally informed me of another successful operation,” he added.*
