A former policeman, who is the leader of the notorious Bukidnon Drug Group operating in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, together with three members, were arrested by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in consecutive anti-narcotics operation on December 1, 2012.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac, Jr. identified the arrested leader as Romeo Delonio, alias Dodong/Double D/Tonio, a 54-year-old former police officer; and members as Rommel Monsanto, 36; Charlie Torres, 43; and Serd Only Goc-ong, 35. Cacdac added that Delonio was included on the PDEA Regional order of battle.

Cacdac said that the suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation and implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Sumpong, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The twin operations were conducted by elements of PDEA Regional Office 10 (PDEA RO10) under Director Roberto Opeña.

Seized from Delonio were three big plastic sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated street value of P100,000. Agents also confiscated additional three grams of shabu from other three suspects who were inside the house of Delonio during the implementation of the search warrant.

“The arrest of Delonio and his members is a big blow to the local drug industry in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. PDEA is encouraging members of the community to continue supporting the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs,” Cacdac said.

Appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are now being prepared for filing in court against the suspects.