BAGUIO COURT SENDS DRUG PUSHER TO JAIL FOR LIFE

September 20, 2024 Headlines

BAGUIO CITY

Branch 4 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Baguio City has sentenced a drug dealer of life imprisonment. In the decision issued by Presiding Judge Ma. Joy C. Oallares-Cawed, Anthony Lacbungan Rapanut “alias “Toots” was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 5 of Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was then given a penalty of life imprisonment and was also told to pay P500,000 fine.

Rapanut was collared by agents of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cordillera and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cordillera on April 25, 2024 in a sting operation at a hotel here. Seized from him were P500,000 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu,” along with firearms and ammunition. Prior to his arrest, Rapanut was the subject of months of surveillance. He eluded arrests on numerous occasions until he was caught finally after intense intelligence operations, said NBI Cordillera Regional Director Atty. Daniel Daganzo.

Branch 7 of the RTC of Baguio City also sentenced Rapanut to 4 years and two months in prison for violating Section 31 of the RA 10591 (or the absence of a necessary permit to carry firearms outside of residence). In the decision penned by Presiding Judge Cecilia Corazon S Dulay-Archog on September 18, 2024, Rapanut admitted to his crime.

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN