Duterte drug list produces results in Zambo del Sur

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OROQUIETA CITY — The latest list made public by President Rodrigo Duterte containing names of public officials allegedly involved in drugs is producing results in Zamboanga del Sur.

Authorities in the province on Friday arrested in this city a former mayor of Midsalip town, Liwaya Angcap, and her common-law partner Leander Lumantas.

Police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested the couple following a search of their store and house in the village of Talairon.

Angcap is the daughter of Leonida Angcap, incumbent mayor of Midsalip town who was on the latest narcolist made public by the President in Davao City, according to Wilkins Villanueva, PDEA regional director.

High-value target

Liwaya, Villanueva said, was a member of the Kubal Drug Group allegedly led by Ardot Parojinog which operates in Misamis Occidental.

Police had listed Liwaya as among the seven high-value drug targets in Zamboanga del Sur.

Liwaya was also a cousin of Mary Ann Angcap, chair of Barangay Labuyo in Tangub City, who was convicted of drug trafficking in October 2018.

Villanueva said the two Angcaps were underlings of Ardot Parojinog who used to visit Liwaya Angcap’s residence in Midsalip town.

The regional PDEA office has been monitoring Liwaya for a month, Villanueva said.

Bulk buyers

Liwaya, according to Villanueva, does not sell to small users but to bulk buyers.

The operating team seized 15 sachets of “shabu” (crystal meth) with an estimated street value of P125,000, an M4 rifle, four magazines and bullets during the search on Liwaya’s house.

Liwaya and her live-in partner were detained at the Oroquieta police station.

Critics of the President assailed the release of the narcolist, saying the rights of those named on the list had been violated. —Leah Agonoy