PDEA catches 15 drug suspects, seizes P89.7K 'shabu' in Pampanga sting
By Chito Chavez
Fifteen drug suspects were arrested by anti-narcotics authorities after they allegedly yielded P89,700 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" during a buy-bust operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Thursday night, Nov. 10.

In a statement released Friday, Nov. 11, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the suspects as John Albert Evangelista, Rolando Bituin, Sherwin Elilio, Jose Peñaranda III, Queruben Bagsic, Rudy Sevilla, Bryan Macacado, Noel Cadiang, June Cadiang, Ryan Torres, Regina Deocaresa, Mary Lanlet Joanne Evangelista, Larlyn Jalino, Alma Floren Condia and Yvonne Pontilo.
The operation stemmed from an asset's tip of the suspects' illegal drug activities inside a drug den.
Authorities immediately proceeded to the drug den and arrested the 15 suspects at around 9:26 p.m.
Community members had lodged numerous complaints regarding the presence of the drug den in the neighborhood where suspicious-looking characters frequent the place to do their drug-dealing ways, according to PDEA.
After several months of surveillance, the PDEA and Mabalacat City Police team eventually caught up with the suspects.
The 15 suspects face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.’’