‘Barung-barongs’ along and under the bridge nearby a police station revealed something else during the clearing operations against illegal vendors.
A drug den, hidden among barong-barongs was discovered underneath Juan Luna Bridge in the conduct of clearing operations at Divisoria, Binondo, Manila City, Wednesday.
The operatives destroyed the little settlements on the side and under the bridge and they found numerous drug paraphernalia.
In the conduct of investigation, it was found out that the small rooms under the bridge were offered for rent where the occupant can use puff shabu.
Robert Rehio, one claiming to be the owner of the rooms-for-rent, was arrested despite efforts of hiding among the ‘barong-barongs’. He denied the allegations that he was operating a drug den and reiterated that he was only a ‘kariton’ or cart maker. His wife is still at large and the police continue search.
Manila Police District station commander Supt. Amante Daro was enraged of the discovery of the drug den especially that the Juan Luna police community precinct (PCP) is only at the other end of the bridge.
But Juan PCP head Police Chief Insp. Luis Guisic immediately justified that they have had apprehensions of drug pushers along the area but he admitted that they did not know that there are drug dens under the bridge because they take cover with vendors.
“Last week and before, may huli tayo diyan. Hindi naman natin sinasadya na hindi natin malaman dahil nagko-cover-an s’ya ng vendor.”, said Guisic.
But his defense did not avail him of vindication. Supt. Daro recommended that a relief order be issued against Guisac effective immediately.
Truckloads of materials and products from structures of illegal peddlers were confiscated along Juan Luna and Sta. Elena Streets.
Manila City Mayor Joseph E.Estrada immediately went to Juan Luna PCP upon receiving information that a drug den was discovered near the police precinct.