BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
BACOLOD City – In what has been heralded as a landmark operation against illegal drugs in this city, operatives from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) apprehended a high-value suspect and confiscated approximately six kilograms of suspected shabu, estimated at P41.3 million.
The operation took place around 8:12 p.m. on August 13 in Purok Malipayon, Barangay 35.
The main suspect and operation target, John Philip Dellomo, 28, was apprehended along with Lauro Dellomo, 52, and Ronel Dellomo, 36.
John Philip Dellomo, also known as “Tol”, faces charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The two others face charges of obstruction of justice, police said.
According to the police, the operation as a buy-bust. John Philip Dellomo handed over to a police poseur buyer one knot-tied transparent plastic bag containing suspected shabu in exchange for P60,000.
More suspected shabu were subsequently recovered after the arrests were made.
In a statement to Panay News, Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, City Director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), praised the operation’s success.
“This is the largest drug recovery in Bacolod City’s history. I extend my congratulations to the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 and the BCPO for their significant role. This accomplishment reflects our zeal to tackling not only crimes but all illegal activities in our city,” said Coronica.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the top police official in Western Visayas, also commended the operation.
“This accomplishment mirrors the dedication and perseverance of our forces in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs. This is a substantial blow to the illegal drug trade. Efforts will continue to determine if the suspect has any accomplices, and further police actions will be taken if necessary to ensure accountability,” stressed Wanky.
The successful operation was supported by various units including the BCPO’s Police Station 1, Drug Enforcement Unit and Intelligence Unit.
The suspects remain in police custody./PN
