The Caloocan City government, led by Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan, recognized and commended the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Northern District Office and 14 of its agents on their successful buy-bust operations at Almar, Zabarte, Barangay 172 which led to the arrest of a police officer identified as Pcpl Mark Jefferson Lopez, assigned at Caloocan City Police Station, Substation 13 and another individual, John Raster Muñoz.
To recall, according to PDEA, 500 grams of shabu with an estimated value of over P3.4 million, a Philippine National Police (PNP)-issued firearm, PNP ID and live ammunition were seized from the said suspects. They are both facing charges in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act (R.A. 9165).
Mayor Malapitan personally awarded medals of recognition to the PDEA officers namely Director III Christian Frivaldo, Director II Laura Nebato, IA V Marvin Mendoza, IA III Albert Bohol, IO III Nazarion Bongkinki, SO III Christine Joy Macayan, SO II Renzo Carlo Bascogin, IO II Gion Arvie Aciente, IO I Jaymar Ramos, IO I Jemuel De Jesus, IO I John Michael Erlano, IO I Salm Jomarie Alva, IO I Rechiel Caber, and SI II Nielchris Hernandez during the flag raising ceremony of the city government on Monday, August 8.
In a short speech after the awarding ceremony, the Mayor expressed his gratitude to the operatives and likewise reiterated his stance against illegal drugs.
“Kampanya pa lang sinasabi na natin na walang puwang ang mga tulak sa Caloocan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat ng kawani ng PDEA sa inyong matagumpay na operasyon. Uulitin ko, kahit may puwesto ka pa o katungkulan, kung magkakamali ka, buong pwersa ng batas ang ating paiiralin lalo na sa usaping droga,” the Mayor warned.
Present also during the ceremony were People’s Law Enforcement Bureau (PLEB) Chief of Office Atty. Benjamin Roque and Caloocan Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CADAO) Officer-in-charge Sonny Amoyo.