COPS ARREST 22 DRUG SUSPECTS IN MABALACAT ‘SHABU TIANGGE’ RAID

BY KEVIN GALANG

ANTI-DRUG operatives on Friday arrested 22 drug suspects in a raid on an alleged shabu tiangge on Daang Bakal in Bgy. Poblacion, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Pampanga police director Col. Jay Dimaandal reported to Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo that arrested  were alias “Payumo,” 48, a barber and a resident of Bgy. Tabun,  Mabalacat City; alias “Ron,” 45, of Bgy. Atlu Bola, Mabalacat City; alias “Tang,” 44, of Bgy. San Francisco, Mabalacat City; alias “Pong,”  48, a driver, of Mabalacat City; alias “Rome,” 44,  of Mangalit, Mabalacat City; alias “Del,” 43, of Bgy. San Francisco, Mabalacat City; alias “Nesto,”  42, of Bgy. Cacutud, Mabalacat City; alias “Pang,” 42, a construction worker and  a resident of Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Capas Tarlac;  alias “David,” 41, a conductor, of Bgy.  Kubkub, Capas, Tarlac; alias “Tibe,” 40, a tricycle driver, of Bgy. Lourdes, Bamban, Tarlac; alias “Nor,” 39, of Bgy. San Vicente, Concepcion, Tarlac;  alias “Marvin,” 38, of Sitio Burak  Bamban, Tarlac; alias “Ver,” 36, of Lawi Capas, Tarlac; alias “Ken,” 35,  of Mabalacat City;  alias “Sevil,” 34, a vendor, of Bamban Tarlac; alias “Manuel,” 33, of Bgy. Poblacion, Mabalacat City; alias “Canlas,” 31, a barber and a resident of Bgy. Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac; alias “June,”  31, of Mabalacat City;  alias “Mala,” 30, of Mabalacat City; alias “Waye,” 27, of  Bgy. Poblacion, Mabalacat City;  alias “Celar,” 26, of Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Capas Tarlac;  and alias “Nejo,” 24, of  Bgy. Poblacion, Mabalacat City.

Members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mabalacat police conducted the raid following intelligence report that the place was frequented by the suspects.

Confiscated during the operation were at least 12 grams of shabu worth P81,600.

Authorities said the same place had been the subject of an anti-illegal drug raid in December 2024 for its notoriety as a “hotspot” for illegal drugs.

Dimaandal reaffirmed their relentless commitment to eradicate illegal drugs in the province.

“Our intensified efforts, in collaboration with the community and other law enforcement agencies, reflect our commitment to keeping Pampanga free from the dangers of illegal substances,” Dimaandal said.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can build a safer, drug-free environment where families can thrive without fear,” the Pampanga top cop added.

All arrested suspects were charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.