Misamis Oriental board member nabbed in drug bust

MANILA, Philippines—A provincial board member, and two others, were arrested by anti-narcotics agents in Cagayan de Oro City after allegedly selling suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu” to an undercover agent, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency official said Thursday.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr. said suspect, Misamis Oriental 1^st District Provincial Board Member Geodeguil “Deguil” Ursal, 32, was apprehended after selling a sachet of shabu to a poseur-buyer in a drug bust on Zone 2, Agusan, Cagayan De Oro City around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

However, after further inspection on Ursal, 13 more plastic sachets of shabu were found in his possession, along with various drug paraphernalia and a red Toyota Vios with plate number KGH-521.

“Ursal is ranked Number 3 in the list of drug personalities of Northern Mindanao and a high-value target of PDEA. PDEA was hot on his trail for his notoriety in illegal drug activities in Region 10, particularly in the province of Misamis Oriental,” Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, Glenn Antigua, 29, and Ernesto Fernandez, 46, both natives of Misamis Oriental, were also arrested during the drug-bust operation for allegedly conspiring with Ursal in selling the illegal substance.

“This is what I am talking about. PDEA does not go about publicizing its target list because this is considered as intelligence material. Our operating units diligently built up Ursal’s case that led to his eventual arrest,” the PDEA chief added, citing the challenge hurled by lawmakers on PDEA to divulge the names of politicians involved in the illegal drug trade.

Ursal, Antigua and Fernandez are now facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. They are presently detained at the PDEA RO10 jail facility in Cagayan De Oro City.