Anthony Arizo Grape, Salome Chan and Ira Anthony Arizo Grape (left to right) were arrested by the Cebu Provincial Police who confiscated nearly a million pesos worth of drugs and weapons from the home of suspected drug dealer Zaldy Bravo. Two minors were also rescued. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
One of two minors rescued by Cebu police from the home of a drug pusher yesterday morning said the dealer promised to support his education in exchange for serving as his runner.
“Wa jud ko kahibaw sa ilang gibuhat pag-una. Mga three weeks pa lang ko nila gisugo nga maoy mutunol sa drugs. Nisud ko ani nga trabaho-a kay ingon sa akong friend pa eskwelahon daw mi (I was not aware of their illegal drug operation. Three weeks ago, I started being their runner and the one who hands over the drugs. I got into this since my friend told me that the employer would pay for my schooling),” he said.
The boy was supposed to be in first year college this year.
He said he wanted to leave along with a female minor but was threatened by Zaldy Bravo.
The girl was assigned to care for a baby in the house and not serve as a drug runner.
Bravo died after being shot in his home barangay of Macaas in Catmon town, north Cebu by police operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB).
The two youths were found inside the house, and turned over to the women and Children’s Protection Desk of the police before being endorsed to social workers, said Senior Insp. Leo Logronio.
Police said they served a a search warrant issued by Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Wilfredo Navarro of Branch 19.
According to police, Bravo was in his living repacking illegal drugs when law enforcers arrived at his home.
Logronio said police shot Bravo’s legs to prevent him from escaping.
He was then rushed to the Sogod District Hospital but died not long after from massive blood loss.
Seized from his house were several packs of illegal drugs weighing 90 grams along with several drug paraphernalia and two cellphones.
Police said the drugs were worth P1. 06 million.
Also arrested were 48-year-old Salome Chan Torbiso, who was believed to be renting the two-story house, 19-year-old Racquel Capote and her 42-year-old boyfriend Anthony Grape, who was described as Bravo’s right-hand man.
Logronio said Bravo is a former member of the Gilbert Cudias group engaged in extortion activities in Cebu’s 5th district since the ‘80s.
He was arrested on illegal drug charges in Cebu City, was convicted and sentenced to the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa. He was released last year.
Logronio said Bravo had the ability to dispose of 200 grams of shabu per week and that his operation covers northern Cebu town sof Catmon, Borbon and Sogod.
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