Brother of a congressman, arrested for illegal drug activities in Quezon

Miami
September 9, 2008
Story 2: Brother of a congressman, arrested for illegal drug activities in Quezon

A brother of a congressman and two other individuals were arrested by authorities for their involvement in illegal drug activities in the province of Quezon.

The suspects were identified as Cirilio Alcala, 51, his live-in partner Gina Balakas, 34 and Shajid Cirilio, 27. Shajid is the son of Cirilio from previous marriage. Cirilio was identified as the brother of Congressman Proceso Alcala, Representative of the 2nd District of Quezon.

The authorities has search warrant with them which was released last September 2 by Reynaldo Ros, Executive Judge of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 33. The operation was conducted by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Lucena City Police and Regional Mobile Group 4A.

The suspects were arrested inside their house in Barangay Cotta, Lucena City at around 4:30 am.

According to Derick Carreon, Spokesperson of PDEA, the search stemmed from the complaints that they are receiving from Quezon Province. “We are already receiving reports two months ago but we do not have sufficient information then until one informant told us it is really true then we applied for search warrant.”

Carreon added that father and son Alcala and Balakas were already considered as drug syndicate group, “They are considered as drug group because one entity working in consonance in one person or more makes them syndicate already.”

He added, “The neighbours are also complaining because they are already becoming aware of the illegal work of the Alcala’s.”

Operatives recovered total of 30 grams of crystallized shabu placed in different plastic sachet in different grams; some drug paraphernalia; a caliber 9mm pistol with two magazines; cash about Php 40,000 and U$ 34 (in U$1 each) and also a notebook containing list of names that will purchase shabu from them.

The suspects are now facing charges for violating Section 11 of Article II of RA 9165 (possession of illegal drugs) and illegal possession of fire arms. They are now at the custody of PDEA in Region 4A.