By Neska Centina

Five men were arrested in a Wednesday buy-bust operation at Purok Paraiso in Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Police seized 13 sachets of suspected shabu, with an estimated market value of P150,000; along with assorted drug paraphernalia.

The apprehended suspects were identified as 46-year-old Noel Cuenca, 25-year-old John Mark Salazar, 20-year-old Marvin Gabato, 27-year-old Harvey Ledesma, and 32-year-old Romel Villaflor.

Their suspected supplier, identified as Jose Bugalo, remains at large.

The suspects were brought to the custodial facility of Kabankalan City Police Station, while the recovered evidence were placed under the custody of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region VI.

The suspects face charges in violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./NC, WDJ