By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, July 15 (PNA) –- At least seven were killed while 39 other suspected illegal drug peddlers were arrested in a joint Coplan Kaagapay operation “Lambat-Sibat” early Wednesday morning.to implement 36 warrants of arrest to suspected drug pushers, robbers and illegal possession of firearms early morning Wednesday.
The joint raiding team, equipped with 39 arrest warrants, was led by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection group (CIDG) and agents of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The team simultaneously swooped down on different areas in Davao City that led to the killing of Jabar Aboul, Cryril Abinoja, Reynaldo Quindao alias Dodong Bilaan, Nonoy Tiongko, Marvin Flores Vargas alias Man-Man, Jerome Portolazo and Dodong Quiba.
As of 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, the police already booked 27 male suspected drug pushers and 12 females arrested during the operation. The joint operation also yielded 13 firearms; three hand grenades of which seven were neutralized; 10 assorted ammunition; and seized 329.3 grams of suspected shabu; 73 grams marijuana; and, three motorcycle units.
Booking and recording of arrested persons and materials are still ongoing at DCPO Gymnasium.
During the AFP-PNP press corps forum, CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong said the operation was part of their nationwide one-time big-time operation aimed at reducing supply of illegal drugs and arrest of drug pushers.
Magalong said the targets of the operation were individuals involved in drug trafficking, illegal firearms, robbery and holdup and criminals.
When asked why they prey on smalltime drug peddlers, Magalong said big-time pushers are difficult to track especially that they don’t possess the illegal drugs.
“These are people who do the retail – kung hindi gagalawin ang mga ito parang pinababayaan mo rin (if you will not do something to these people it is like not addressing the) street level operation. There are more of them,” he said, adding that fighting against street level retailers has bigger impact.
Magalong explained that operating against big-time drug pushers requires concerted effort and it takes time to build up cases. He said it requires intensified operational research, trade craft operation and anti-money laundering to really come up with a big case.
He disclosed there will be more follow up operations. Meanwhile, he lauded the cooperation of all law enforcers in Davao City for the successful operation.
Magalong was also grateful of the full support of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to make the operation successful.
PDEA was assisted by the different police stations under the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Martime Police, Police Regional Office (PRO) XI and Regional Intelligence Unit. (PNA)