Police arrested a leader of a drug syndicate, which reportedly has a strong connection to narco-politicians in Metro Manila, in a raid in Sampaloc, Manila, early Monday morning.
Nabbed was Porferio Pementera, the alleged leader of the Pementera criminal syndicate operating in Manila and Quezon City.
Also arrested was alleged syndicate member Orlando Naguinlin and barangay security officer Joseph dela Cruz who allegedly tried to block the raid at around 1 a.m. at 1817-C Algostro Building, Simoun St., Brgy 484, Zone 48, Sampaloc.
Seized during the raid were some P3.5 million worth of shabu, a handheld radio and drug paraphernalia.
Police Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the operation stemmed from confirmed intelligence report about the operation and hideout of the group.
“This group is connected to local narco-politicians including a barangay councilor who was killed in a police operation last month,” said Eleazar.
The official was referring to Barangay 561 councilor Ronnie Labongray who died after allegedly trying to shoot it out with cops on March 28.
“Furthermore, they are also connected to high value target ninja cops engaged in drug trading activities, particularly Jolly Aliangan, who is currently detained in City Jail,” said Eleazar.
The NCRPO chief also confirmed that a barangay chairman who owns the apartment will be charged.
This, after a background check revealed that the barangay chairman was among those included in the narco-list of President Duterte.
“We will be filing appropriate charges for this barangay official to be dismissed from his current post,” said Eleazar.
The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence will be used as evidence in the charges that would be filed against suspects.
The barangay srcurity officer, on the other hand, will be slapped with obstruction of justice.
“The source of illegal drugs is currently being traced,” said Eleazar. (Aaron Recuenco)
