CEBU CITY — A member of the famed Lumad Basakanon contingent of Sinulog Festival was arrested late Wednesday following an anti-drug operation in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.Drummer Victor Bohol Quijano, known as Vic-Vic, 45, was detained along with Arnold Tang Villamor, 38, both of whom were suspected of being involved in illegal drug activity. Police confiscated .30 grams of shabu in nine sachets with an estimated street value of P2,040.Quijano, who is part of the award-winning Lumad Basakanon, denied involvement in selling drugs but admitted to using shabu during the group's rigorous practice sessions.He explained that the drug helped him fight exhaustion as they practiced into the late hours, preparing for performances like the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 19.The Mambaling Police Station monitored the two men closely before launching the buy-bust operation. Both Quijano and Villamor now face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.Despite Quijano's arrest, Lumad Basakanon went on to claim victory in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2025 on Jan. 12, for dominating the Ritual Showdown, Street Dancing, and Best in Costume categories.Their stirring performance depicting fisherfolk finding salvation through faith in the Santo Niño de Cebu earned them P650,000 in prizes. Their success is a testament to their resilience and talent, with Quijano playing a key role, though he will no longer be part of their next performance this Sunday.As Lumad Basakanon and other contingents look forward to the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 19 at Cebu City Sports Center, Quijano's arrest casts a shadow on what has otherwise been an outstanding start to the festival season for the group.
