Amidst the fervor surrounding the viral footage depicting the aggressive arrest of drug suspect Jason Dumlao, new revelations have surfaced, hinting at a more complex narrative behind the scenes.

The initial exposé, courtesy of a local radio station based in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, which aired footage of the arrest that quickly went viral, has sparked widespread outrage among netizens.

According to reports from the station, attempts to reach out to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for cooperation and response were met with silence.

During a broadcast on DZJC Aksyon Radio, Rolando Jose, one of the station’s top hosts, fielded a call from an anonymous individual claiming insider knowledge of the incident.

The caller alleged that PDEA operatives, in contravention of guidelines, apprehended Dumlao without the presence of media personnel or barangay officials.

Furthermore, the caller asserted that Dumlao’s associates were threatened with firearms and forcibly removed from the scene, with an hour elapsing before barangay officials and media representatives arrived to document the events captured in the viral footage.

“Not until an hour later was he taken,” the caller remarked in Ilocano, referring to the 36-year-old suspect from Nalasin, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.

“They even pointed guns at Jason Dumlao’s companions,” the caller added, confirming allegations of intimidation.

The caller went on to claim that when Dumlao’s employer attempted to contact barangay officials, PDEA operatives in uniform intervened, preventing communication.

“Tatawag pa sana yong boss ni Jason sa mga opisyal ng barangay pero hindi pinayagan ng mga taga-PDEA, sabi mo?” Jose asked the caller, who responded in the affirmative.

When pressed by Jose on whether he witnessed the incidents preceding Dumlao’s interrogation depicted in the viral footage, the caller admitted he had not.

Instead, he claimed to have gleaned information from eight individuals who were present at the time.

Moreover, the caller supported Dumlao’s assertion of financial distress, stating, “The truth is Jason Dumlao really had no money because he even tried to borrow money that morning.”

The viral footage, following Dumlao’s arrest, purportedly reveals the confiscation of marked money totaling P9,000 from his possessions.

The caller further alleged that Dumlao had been attempting to borrow money on the morning of the incident.

Jose disclosed that attempts to contact PDEA, including its regional office, for clarification on the matter had been fruitless.

“PDEA needs to explain,” Jose asserted. “Why are they silent? Our colleague has been calling, even their regional office. They said they’d call back, but they didn’t.”

Beyond the tumult surrounding Dumlao’s arrest, netizens have expressed suspicion that he may have been framed.

Notably, Dumlao’s youngest son is currently hospitalized in Ilocos Norte, with reports indicating he has received substantial financial support from concerned netizens, totaling over P100,000, for his medical treatment.

According to the PDEA Guidelines on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9165, as amended by Republic Act No. 10640, the physical inventory and photograph of the seized or confiscated items must be conducted in the presence of the suspect or their representative, along with an elected public official, a representative of the National Prosecution Service (NPS), or the media. These individuals are required to sign copies of the inventory and be provided with a copy thereof.

Furthermore, the guidelines stipulate that noncompliance with the requirements of Section 21(1) of RA No. 9165, as amended, will not invalidate seizures and custody over the items if such noncompliance is justified. However, the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized items must be properly preserved by the apprehending officer or team.

• DISCLAIMER: The Daily Netizen has not officially verified this information. We rely on facts and information provided by a local radio station based in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. We strive to report the facts accurately and empower you to make your own informed decisions.