Sabalones and former aide may still be working together — police

Police arrest Gonzalo “Jeto” Abellana after an estimated P1.8 million worth of illegal drugs were found in his home in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, Cebu. | CDND Photo / Benjie Talisic

TALISAY CITY, CEBU, Philippines — Police now suspect that the 1.8-million worth of illegal drugs seized in the house of Gonzalo “Jeto” Abellana was sourced from his “former boss” and self-confessed drug lord, Franz Sabalones.

Police Captain Alejandro Batobalanos, chief of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, said it is possible that Sabalones is still involved in the drug trade business and Abellana is one of his distributors.

Batobalanos said Abellana was under police surveillance for almost one month. During this time, they learned that Abellana was the aide, personal driver and bodyguard of Sabalones.

Abella denied this saying that he only worked for a resort owned by Sabalones, although he admitted serving as the driver of the controversial drug lord on several occasions. But Abellana denied involvement in the illegal drug business.

Batobalanos said Sabalones and Abellana may have an existing secret agreement because of this relationship. The nature of his relationship with Sabalones also makes Abellana a high-value target.  

Batobalanos said Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Rey Natnat, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, will conduct a more thorough investigation of Abellana’s case.

Police arrested Abellana on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Sitio Nonok, Barangay Tabunok, after an estimated P1.8 million worth of suspected shabu was found inside his home during a drug raid.

Abellana, 38, was previously imprisoned for a murder case, which was later downgraded to homicide. / celr