BANGUED, Abra (Jan. 25) — A supposed picnic along a river in remote Manabo town, in this province turned out to be a rendezvous of alleged drug traffickers.

Manabo town policemen caught red-handed Rafael Gunday, 36, and Lupang Batitao, 28, both from Kilong Olao, Boliney, Abra; Jerry Molina, 18, a student from Brgy Ayyeng, Manabo; Roberto Sapongen, 42, from Barangay Luzong, also in Manabo town and Peter Alunday, 36, a farmer from Barangay Tulgao, Tinglayan town in Kalinga. Policemen seized from the five suspects 10 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves in brick form valued at P250,000.

Abra Police Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Pumecha, said Manabo policemen received information that a group of men who were having a picnic at Sitio Lus-od, Barangay San Ramon, on Monday morning, January 22 are keeping illegal drugs.

The suspects were brought to Manabo police station for questioning as authorities prepared charges for violation of RA 9165 also known as the anti-illegal drugs law. # Ace Allegre for NORDIS