The army’s 25th Infantry Battalion on Wednesday reported five suspected drug pushers were apprehended and one killed during a joint buy-bust operation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted last Saturday in Puroks 4 and 7, Barangay Poblacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur.
In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, 1st Lt. Michael Jay Mana, civil relations officer of 25th IB said firearms, ammunitions and suspected sachets of shabu were also recovered by authorities from the possession of the suspects.
Mana identified the five suspects as Marvin Espanya Supertran,Tejie Lumampao Dimavivas, Rolando Samuel Antiga, Sarah Jane Roze Adline and Rico Gapate Caballes.
Another suspect, Jiseca Albaran alias Vanessa was later proclaimed dead on arrival at the Franco Medical Hospital in Agusan Sur.
Authorities were able to confiscate from the possession of the suspects Caliber .357 pistol loaded with six live ammunitions; ten pieces of live ammunitions of caliber .357; one fired cartridge case of 9MM; three fired cartridge cases of caliber .45; and one fired bullet of unknown calibre.
A total of 31 pieces of unsealed transparent plastic sachets; 21 pieces small heat sealed plastic sachets; and 3 pieces big heat sealed plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “SHABU” were also recovered from the suspects.
The army and the PNP also confiscated from the suspects two pieces of digital weighing machines; one piece disposable lighter; several folded cramped aluminum thin foils; three pieces one hundred peso bills and two pieces five hundred peso bills used as buy-bust money; and cash money amounting to P6,360.00.
Mana said the suspects were brought to Trento Municipal Police Station while charges for violation to the provisions of Republic Act 9165 also known as Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 and Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Fire Arms and Ammunition Regulation Act were already filed against the suspects.
Last Saturday’s raid was led by Police Senior Inspector Nelven Tuan Rufon of Trento PNP and Lt. Col. Ismael P. Mandanas Jr. of 25th IB.
