PDEA arrested minor, suspected leader of illegal drug group

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A minor that is allegedly a part of an illegal drug-trading group has been arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) along with its leader.

The suspects were identified as Armando Iglesia, alias Bukol, 46, and a 16-year-old boy, alias Muslim, PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. said in a statement Tuesday

“Iglesia and the 16-year-old boy, who were both target-listed drug personalities, are leaders of the Bukol-Muslim Drug Group, named after them.  Iglesia is the trader, while alias Muslim serves as the runner/courier,” Cacdac said.

The suspects were arrested in a raid of their residence in Lakas Street along Tandang Sora Avenue, Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City at about 4 p.m. on December 1.

Authorities recovered sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, various drug paraphernalia, and two .38-caliber pistols.

The raid was carried out pursuant to three search warrants against them implemented by the PDEA-National Capital Region Office lead by under Director Wilkins Villanueva, Cacdac said.

The suspects are being detained at the PDEA custodial facility in Quezon City and will face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.