By Jennifer P. Rendon
A former policeman, once a neophyte in the force, now faces life as an inmate.
Alias Edgar, 31, a resident of Barangay Gogo, Estancia, was arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation late on December 12 in Barangay Tingui-an, Balasan, Iloilo.
He was apprehended after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP20,000.
Authorities from the Balasan Municipal Police Station also recovered 14 additional sachets of suspected shabu, a .38-caliber revolver with five rounds of ammunition, 18 empty sachets of suspected shabu, and various non-drug paraphernalia.
The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 66 grams and had a street value of PHP448,800.
Local police had been conducting surveillance on Edgar following persistent reports of his involvement in the illegal drug trade. His operations reportedly spanned Balasan and nearby towns.
Edgar allegedly sourced his supply from Metro Manila.
Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, said Edgar joined the police force in 2018.
However, during his basic training, he was implicated in an illegal discharge of a firearm incident, leading to his dismissal in 2020.
In addition to an administrative case, Edgar faced criminal charges for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
He is currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as RA 10591.
