Palace, DOJ laud drug den raid, suspect’s arrest near Malacañang

The arrest of a drug suspect in Manila on Oct. 16 drew praise not just from one but two major government offices, apparently because of the place where he got caught: near the Malacañang Complex.

Both Malacañang and the Department of Justice (DOJ) lauded the operation that led to the arrest of Edgar “Face” Ventura by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, an agency under the DOJ.

Government statements about the arrest said the NBI raided a drug den found near the complex, which refers to a riverside area in Manila’s San Miguel district. It includes Malacañang Palace, buildings used by agencies under the Office of the President, as well as some heritage sites.

Informal settlers

Entrances to the area are secured by the Presidential Security Command (PSC). The complex extends to Malacañang Park, site of the Presidential residence also known as “Bahay Pangulo,” which is on the other side of the Pasig River.

On the fringes of the predominantly middle-class residential area are informal settlers particularly along Estero de San Miguel, one of the tributaries of the river.

The NBI said the alleged drug den was found at 946 Nicanor Padilla St., which is about 650 meters away from Malacañang Palace.

Facing a warrant of arrest issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court, Ventura was allegedly caught keeping nine sachets of crystal meth or “shabu.”

Another suspect, however, identified as Francisco Soriano Jr., alias “Juntot,” managed to escape.

The NBI said 15 other people who were inside the house when the raiding team arrived were brought to the bureau’s office to undergo a drug test.

Bersamin, Remulla praises

In a statement on Thursday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin commended the NBI, the PSC, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement units for the raid.

“Let it be known: No corner of this land, no matter how remote or concealed, will serve as a refuge for the producers and distributors of these lethal substances,” Bersamin said.

On Friday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla underscored the NBI’s action for being “decisive,” adding that it “exemplifies the effectiveness” of the criminal justice system.

“The DOJ takes immense pride in the NBI’s outstanding work and relentless pursuit of justice. Their commitment to combating illegal drugs is a vital step towards safer communities. This arrest serves as a testament to the NBI’s professionalism and its pivotal role as a partner in our justice system,” Remulla said.

Both Bersamin and Remulla called on the public to help authorities find Soriano, the second suspect who was able to flee. —JACOB LAZARO, JULIE M. AURELIO AND GILLIAN VILLANUEVA