NBI agents nab two brothers for drugs, firearms

The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI) arrested two men for possession of firearms and illegal drugs in barangay Looc, Danao City.

Ronald Bariga, 34, and his 39-year-old brother Roger were inside their house when NBI agents led by Bernard dela Cruz served the search warrant against them at around 7 a.m. yesterday.

The NBI seized about 50 to 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P400,000.

“The suspects were accused of selling illegal drugs in Danao City as well as in other neighboring towns like Compostela and Liloan,” Dela Cruz told reporters yesterday.

Also taken from the two suspects were a 9mm pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, a .357 revolver and a .38 caliber revolver.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms and drugs will be filed against the Barriga brothers before the Danao City Prosecutors’ Office.

The raid was based on the warrant issued by Mandaue City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Teresita Galanida.

Dela Cruz said they conducted surveillance operations for four months to verify the allegations against the two suspects.

In an interview, Ronald admitted his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“Namaligya mig drugas sulod sa duha ka tuig tungod sa among kalisud. (We’ve been selling drugs for the past two years because of our difficult situation),” he told reporters.

Ronald, however, denied accusations that they are hired killers.

The two suspects were detained at the NBI-7.

Dela Cruz also invited for questioning about five individuals who may have conspired with the two brothers.