Ex-soldier turned drug suspect falls

By EDWIN IYO
Correspondent

BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental–Authorities arrested a former soldier who was in the list of top drug suspects in this town during an operation in Sitio Camaman, Barangay Mambayaan here over the weekend.

Police said the suspect, retired Army S/Sgt. Victorino Vega Jr., was seventh in the watchlist of drug personalities in the town, and is accused of violating Republic Act 9165.

Senior Insp. Arnold Gaabucayan, Balingasag police chief, said the 52-year old Vega was arrested when law enforcers raided his house based on a search warrant issued by regional Judge Dennis Alcantar in Cagayan de Oro.

Police said they seized suspected shabu during the raid carried out by the town police and the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force led by Insp. Rustico Galagala.

On Monday, two days later, police here arrested a man wanted for carnapping while he was allegedly in a pot session with four others at the back of the barangay hall of Poblacion 6 in this town.

Gaabucayan identified the suspect of Raymart Salvaleon.

He said Salvaleon was sighted by an informant who immediately alerted the police.

Officers moved quickly and caught Salvaleon with four others–Raymar Yamson, Edmund Baldehueza, Florie Lazaga, and a minor–while in the act of having a pot session.

SPO2 Antonio Jesus Salvacion said Salvaleon was a “notorious carnapper” who was wanted with four other carnapping suspects in connection with a carnapping case.

He said regional Judge Florencia Abbu ordered Salvaleon arrested in April 5.

One of Salvaleon’ss alleged accomplices was killed in an encounter with the police in Tagoloan town last month. Another one of his accomplice was also arrested here also last month while the other two carnapping suspects remain at large.

Police seized from the suspect a stolen motorcycle, and drug paraphernalia.