The police on Wednesday arrested a suspected member of the dreaded Hong Kong triad drug syndicate and seized from him P30 million worth of illegal drugs during an entrapment operation near Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police. Kenny Chua was caught by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) around 11:30 a.m. on Annapolis Street, Greenhills, after he handed over eight kilograms of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) to a poseur buyer. Director Benjamin Magalong, CIDG chief, said Chua initially agreed to meet with the CIDG undercover agents headed by Senior Supt. John Guyguyon at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to sell the contraband. “Our personnel were able to arrange for the purchase of eight kilos of shabu after learning that he was selling illegal drugs,” Magalong said in a news briefing. He added that Chua belonged to the notorious Hong Kong triad, an influential organized crime group operating in Southeast Asia. Magalong said the suspect was charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Marlon Ramos
Man killed after being trapped in burning house
A 71-YEAR-OLD man was killed after he was trapped inside his burning house on Wednesday afternoon in Quezon City. City fire marshal Supt. Jesus Fernandez said the fire began in Jose Marciles’ house on Irid Street in Barangay San Martin de Porres at 12:55 p.m. The victim was reportedly cooking on a stove that used wood as fuel when the flames got out of control. Marciles was not able to escape from the blaze which spread to two other houses. The fire was eventually put out at 1:40 p.m. Firefighters placed the damage to property at P800,000.
Julie M. Aurelio
Ban on motorbike riders wearing helmets urged
A Quezon City councilor wants homeowners groups to require motorcycle riders to remove their helmets when they enter a subdivision. Councilor Melencio Castelo of the sixth district pointed out that most crimes nowadays were being committed by motorcycle-riding men. By requiring riders to remove their helmets, their faces would be visible to security guards and surveillance cameras. In his proposed resolution, Castelo noted that criminals use helmets to conceal their identities. This was the second proposed measure directed at motorcycle riders. Earlier, Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica of the second district wanted to require riders to wear vests where the plate number of their motorcycle would be printed. Ludovica said this would help law enforcers in identifying motorcycle drivers involved in illegal activities while violators would immediately draw the attention of law enforcers. Julie M. Aurelio