Five arrested in drug operations in Cebu, Philippines

Five people, including an Australian citizen, have been arrested in separate drug operations in Cebu, Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted these buy-bust operations this month. The first operation was on March 14 in Barangay Duljo-Fatima. Authorities arrested three people: Rhey Lalaine Basera, who is pregnant, Andrew Cleos Estano, and Johannes Cabarrubias. They allegedly had ₱10,000 worth of shabu, a type of illegal drug. The arrested individuals are facing charges for selling and possessing drugs. A fourth suspect, Felipe Sano Pateres, managed to escape but is still being actively pursued by the NBI. He is accused of running a drug den for three years. The second operation happened on March 18. Tony Ristanovski, a 54-year-old Australian, was arrested in his apartment in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas. Following a buy-bust setup, authorities found ₱2,000 worth of shabu and drug paraphernalia. It was reported that people visited his apartment to buy drugs. This arrest is notable as it marks the first time a foreign national has been connected to selling illegal drug-related items in the area. A third operation took place on March 19 at the Tintay Terminal in Talamban. There, John Codiniera Bulat-ag, also known as "Taya," was arrested with ₱45,000 worth of shabu in his possession. The NBI is taking steps to inform the Australian embassy about Ristanovski's arrest and continue their investigation into the drug activities.