More than 100 supporters of alleged drug peddler Charlie Balbon Sr. mobbed and mauled two policemen and their asset in Brgy. Mambulac, Silay City, police chief Samuel Mina yesterday said.

The incident took place in Sitio Patuloy, a place where Balbon Sr., who is known as "Robin Hood" among his neighbors resides, while SPO3 Dante Victor Escorpion, PO1 William Abellar and Anthony Sabadisto, a police agent, were conducting surveillance on drug operations in the place, Mina said.

Police investigations show that Escorpion, Abellar and Sabadisto were mobbed by the supporters and neighbors of Balbon, while they were arresting several people whom they found engaged in illegal gambling, in a road in the sitio.

Escorpion who is complaining of aches in different parts of his body, claimed it was the son of Balbon who instigated the people to mob them.

He added that even women joined in preventing them from arresting the people engaged in illegal gambling.

The elder Balbon who remains on top of the list of drug personalities in Silay City, is facing charges for violation of RA 7610, or Child Abuse Act, and consented abduction, before the Bacolod City Prosecutor's Office.

Balbon has been arrested previously for bringing a girl to the Adam's Lodge in Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City, and allegedly raping her. However, the rape and violation of RA 9231, or the Child Labor Law, charges filed against Balbon were dismissed by the Bacolod City Prosecutor's Office "for lack of evidence."

Despite firing a warning shot, Escorpion said he was ignored by the neighbors of Balbon who even tried to disarm him of his firearm.

Police investigations show that several drug-related charges filed against Balbon before the Silay City Prosecutor's office have all been dismissed for reasons they cannot understand.

Balbon also engages in the money lending business, and majority of his neighbors are his clients, Escorpion said.*GPB

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