Pubdate: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: http://www.mb.com.ph/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906 Author: MALU CADELINA MANAR Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. 76-YEAR-OLD 'LOLA,' 10 OTHER DRUG SUSPECTS HELD IN KIDAPAWAN COTABATO CITY Authorities arrested at least 11 suspected drug pushers including a 76-year-old grandma — in last week's separate raids in Kidapawan City dubbed as "Operation Big Bang." The warrants of arrest for the suspects were issued by Judge Rogelio Narisma of the Regional Trial Court Branch 23. Of the 13 wanted drug pushers in Kidapawan City, 11 were arrested, including the 76-year-old woman. Authorities confiscated from the suspects 17 big sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" weighing at least five grams, and a number of shabu paraphernalia. The city's Anti-Drug Task Force led by newly-elected Mayor Rogelio Gantuangco and his co-chairman, city councilor Joseph Evangelista, initiated the Operation Big Bang. The task group is composed of the crack members of the Intelligence Support Group, 1202nd Mobile Group led by Sr. Insp. Jonathan Tagum of the Kidapawan City Police, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Police said "the relatively low amount of illegal drugs seized in Kidapawan City the past months despite massive campaign indicated the declining drug trafficking in the city." Authorities have locked up in jail [names deleted]. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart