JOINT law enforcement operatives recently seized a pretty huge amount of illegal drugs during a recent operation. The confiscated drugs are worth a staggering P30.6 million.

Kudos to the joint team led by the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) under its head, PBGen. Remus Medina.

With the PNP-DEG’s Special Operations Unit 7 as lead unit, along with the Regional Intellligence Division (RID)-7, City Intelligence Unit-Cebu City Police Office (CIU-CCPO), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)- RO7, the drug operation was conducted at around 8:30 p.m. of July 08, 2021 in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

On the said time and day, the joint operatives conducted an anti-illegal drugs operation against two suspects known only through their aliases as ‘Ryan’ and ‘Kerlou.’

Once the drug transaction was consummated, the suspects apparently sensed that they were dealing with a police poseur-buyer.

The suspects suddenly drew their firearms and began firing at the undercover policeman who served as the poseur-buyer in the buy-bust operation.

They also trained their guns at the vehicle where the other PNP operatives were on the lookout.

This prompted the policemen to retaliate and of course, defend themselves.

An exchange of gunfire ensued and in the process, the suspects got hit in the different parts of the bodies.

Fortunately, no one was hurt from the government side in the said armed encounter.

The said operatives seized from the suspects’possession and control the following: about 4.5 kilos of white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated street value of P30,600,000; an AR9 pistol and a .45 caliber pistol.

All the confiscated pieces of evidence are now under the custody of the PNP- DEG SOU 7 for proper documentation and disposition.

The cadavers of the suspects at the area of operation were subjected to SOCO forensic investigation.

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I was shocked to learn that a good friend, Bobby Raquepo, recently passed on.

Only in his 40s, Bobby was head of the Fugitive Search Unit of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a post he held from July 2016 up to the time of his untimely demise.

Bobby began his colorful career in public service as a member of the National Bureau of Investigation (2002-2012) before he became Executive Assistant to the Chief Intelligence, BI Intelligence Division (September 2012 – December 2015).

He then got appointed as head of the BI’s Visa Compliance Unit, BI Intelligence Division (January 2013 – December 2015) before becoming Chief of Operations, BI Intelligence Division (January 2013 – April 2016).

From Executive Officer, BI Intelligence Division (August 2013 – April 2016), he then rose to become Deputy Chief of the BI-FSU (April 2016 – December 2016).

Before becoming the head of the BI-FSU, Bobby was chief of staff at the, Office of the OIC Associate Commissioner (December 2016 – January 2017).

The trainings he attended and awards received in his entire public service career are enough to fill up pages of this paper, so, I will just mention a couple of the latest awards bestowed upon him for a job well done.

A Plaque of Commendation was given him by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission of the Office of the President for the unfailing assistance and support of the Fugitive Search Unit in the pursuit of the Philippine Government in order to weed out corruption.

Bobby was also lone recipient of the Medal of Bravery or Medalya ng Katapangan from 2015-2017 for being a “Fearless Leader” of the enforcement arm of the Division.

He planned, directed and spearheaded numerous tactical and investigative operations against foreign fugitives and illegal aliens, ignoring his own safety to ensure the success of the operation.

In fact, the pandemic did not stop him from carrying out his functions at the risk of getting infected. The BI lost a very good and dedicated officer.

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Jokjok (from Ronaldo Capinpin of Tarlac, Tarlac)— PEDRO: Papaano mo sasabihin sa classmate mo na BUNGI-BUNGI ang ngipin niya nang hindi siya magagalit?/ JUAN:Ganito lang: “Wow classmate! Ang ganda naman ng ngipin mo! Para silang nag-eexam— one seat apart!!!

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