Couple, 8 others nabbed for drugs, firearms in Makati

MANILA, Philippines — A live-in couple and eight accomplices were arrested for selling illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms during a buy-bust operation in Makati on Monday night, police said Tuesday.

The Makati City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted the operation against Jayson Ongmanchi, 35, and his live-in partner Bea Donioza on Camia Street, Barangay Pembo.

SDEU officers arrested the couple after they sold P1,000 worth of illegal drugs to an undercover officer.

Also arrested were Niro Rabina, 20; Allan Conception, 41; Raymond Manlapat, 29; Venzen Valeros, 30, Rosa Donioza, 66; Jennelyn Flores, 35; and Maria Ronela Evangelista, 32.

A 12-year-old girl was also rescued in the operation.

Seized were crystal meth worth P350,000, ecstasy worth of P3,000,  two .45-caliber pistols, several rounds of ammunition, 15 .22-caliber guns, a weighing scale, a bag, a holster, and two pouches.

The suspects were detained at the Makati City Police Station while charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 9165) and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591).

Col. Rogelio Simon, Makati police chief, said some of the suspects were included in a drug watchlist.

He added that police were still tracking down the source of the illegal drugs.

/atm