BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – A house was knocked down by barangay authorities on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 12.
Its owners, siblings Willie and Stephen Oraño, were also collared following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Nonoy, City Proper.
According to Barangay Captain Jennifer Quisto, they authorized the demolition of the house as it was believed to be a drug den.
The village chief had also received concerns about non-residents frequenting the house.
Quisto emphasized the importance of taking strong action against such structures to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez, head of the City Drug Enforcement Unit, said a similar approach was taken by the barangay captain of Desamparados, Jaro when illegal activities were suspected in an abandoned house.
Benitez commended the proactive stance of Quisto. He clarified that the police do not have the authority to initiate the demolition of houses or drug dens.
During the drug buy-bust operation on Monday night, a total of 19 sachets of suspected shabu valued at P646,000 were confiscated.
Arrested together with the Oraño siblings was 18-year-old Jhonicle Jaleco. They are currently detained at the city’s Police Station 1./PN
