Arrested drug suspect not my bodyguard, Naga mayor says

NAGA City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the person arrested by police in an anti-illegal drug operation in barangay Langtad, Naga City was not his bodyguard.

He however, confirmed that the suspect, Ricardo Cantillas, was a job order employee at the City Hall assigned to the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

Chiong likewise admitted that the suspect was his political supporter.

The mayor said he knew Cantillas was once jailed for murder.

“Everyone deserves to have a second chance in life,” he said.

Chiong said he was told that Cantillas was selling barbecue near the tennis court but did not know he was involved in the illegal drugs trade.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) led by agent Rennan Oliva caught suspected drug pushers Zosimo Abaquita and Cantillas. Oliva said they believe Cantillas supplies drugs to Abaquita.

Oliva said Abaquita’s house is a drug den. Siblings identified as Arnette Sarusal and Ariel Sarusal were also caught by agents while allegedly sniffing shabu.

Seized from Abaquita were several packets of shabu, assorted drug paraphernalia and marked P100 bills. A .9mm caliber pistol was also recovered from Cantillas, who faces illegal possession of firearms case aside from the drug charges.

Cantillas said he went to Abaquita’s house after Abaquita told him there was a girl coming to meet him. Cantillas wore his uniform when he was arrested. Sachets with traces of shabu, unused plastic packs, needle, tooter were also seized from him.