BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – In a recent drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Bingawan, a drug-pushing suspect claimed he has been receiving support from unnamed municipal and barangay officials.
Menandro “Pit-Pit” Gelilang, 44, of Barangay San Miguel, Ilaya in Tapaz, Capiz province, was apprehended on Nov. 19.
Authorities seized approximately 355 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of more than P2.4 million.
Lieutenant Ryan Christ Inot, chief of the Binggawan Municipal Police Station, said Gelilang claimed he enjoyed protection from town officials he did not identify.
Initial police investigation showed that Gelilang had served as a runner for another drug suspect identified as Crismark Blancaflor.
Blancaflor was apprehended in Hacienda Sta. Ana, Barangay Palampas in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, for P13.7 million worth of shabu.
Gelilang is currently detained at the Bingawan Municipal Police Station.
He face scharges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
