PDEA intensifies search for Makati drug dealer

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are still on the lookout for the “target” who eluded arrest when agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency swooped down on several alleged pushers in Makati City Tuesday, a PDEA official said Wednesday.

PDEA Metro Manila Region Office (MMRO) Deputy Regional Director Derrick Carreon said that Jonathan Orbegoso who also goes by the aliases “Tantan” and “Marcial” managed to escape when PDEA agents raided their homes in Laperal Compound, Guadalupe Viejo village in Makati City.

Carreon said that Froilan delos Santos a.k.a. “Baliw” was arrested in the operation along with Frankie Orbegoso, the father of their “target,” and Vincent Metante.

Authorities confiscated during their raid, several sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu,” one Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter pistol, a .22 caliber revolver and an improvised firearm or “sumpak.”

The arrests were carried out by virtue of warrants from Honorable Amor Reyes, executive judge of the Manila regional trial court Branch 21 and were made after a month-long surveillance, said Carreon.

The suspects face charges of violating RA 9165 and illegal possession of firearms, the PDEA said.