PDEA nabs top narco politician in Lamitan City, Basilan

LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN—Authorities arrested in a buy-bust operation on Saturday morning the alleged "Number 1" narco politician in the city.

A joint military and police operation headed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Basilan arrested Barangay Bato Chairman Adzhar "Ombok" Macrohon, a drug surrenderer who just won last May's barangay polls.

Macarohon, who is supposed to officially assume as chairman for his third and last term this Saturday (June 30), was arrested at about 5:30 a.m. 

Authorities seized from Macrohon six packs and one sachet containing suspected shabu with estimated street value of 100,000 pesos; 1 cal. -.45 pistol, bladed weapons, several M16 magazines and ammunition. A brand new grenade was also discovered in one of his backpacks.

Macrohon did not grant an interview with the media. However, he admitted he owned the ammunition and the grenade. But he denied allegations that he is a supplier of illegal drugs.

His common-law wife Nuraida Sansawi said the "missing" M16 rifle was pawned to cover for the families expenses.

Before his election as barangay chief in 2010, Macrohon had allegedly been involved in shooting incidents at Oval Public Market and at the Lamitan Central Elementary School in Lamitan City.

Macrohon ignored the mandatory drug testing on newly-elected barangay chiefs conducted last May 19,  the PDEA said.  

The suspect is allegedly one of the biggest supplier of illegal drugs in Barangays Boton and Languyan in Mohamad Ajul town, an area in Basilan province supposedly under the influence of bandit Abu Sayfaf Group.

In an exclusive interview, PDEA Provincial Officer Jigger Juniller cited information reaching his office that Macrohon is using the PDEA and Department of the Interiors and Local Government in his transactions.

Macrohon is facing charges for violation of sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 and Illegal possession of deadly weapons (bladed), firearms, ammunition and explosives . —LBG, GMA News