Regis seeks transfer from BBRC to Lapu-Lapu jail

The counsel for suspected bigtime drug pusher Epifras "Tatay" Regis has asked Regional Trial Court Judge Fortunato de Gracia for his transfer from the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center because the city jail became overcrowded and unsanitized.

In his two-page motion before De Gracia, Rameses Villagonzalo said there is an urgent need for Regis' immediate transfer from BBRC to the Lapu-Lapu City jail.

"The interest of the state in this present case can never be prejudiced in whatever manner, as they remain intact, should the accused be transferred confinement from BBRC to Lapu-Lapu City jail since he is also charged within the jurisdiction of the RTC (in) Lapu-Lapu City," Villagonzalo said.

Another reason for the petition seeking for Regis' detention transfer was the fact that he wife is presently detained at Lapu-Lapu City jail for alleged possession of shabu.

"The accused (Regis) also needs the company and care of his wife to look after his delicate health conditions and other needs. Thus, there is an imperative necessity of being transferred from the BBRC to Lapu-Lapu City jail," Villagonzalo said.

The police Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Branch headed by P/Supt Pablo Labra raided Regis' residence in barangay Tejero on October 8, 2004 and confiscated 11 packs of suspected shabu. The raid was conducted through a search warrant issued by RTC Executive Judge Simeon Dumdum.

Regis entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment before De Gracia for his 2004 drug case.

In his counter-affidavit before Cebu City Prosecutor's office, Regis said the evidence against him was planted, saying that he already vacated his residence in Tejero since July 2004 and transferred to Liloan town.

He was also charged before a regional trial court in Lapu-Lapu City for another drug case.

Meanwhile, regional police office director Silverio Alarcio yesterday ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division to get the affidavit of Manny "Manik" Regis over his allegations that three policemen extorted his family of P500,000 in exchange for his liberty following his arrest months ago.

Manny said when he was arrested during a buy-bust operation in June in barangay San Vicente, Consolacion town, SPO1 Raymond Enriquez and two other policemen of the Cebu Provincial Police Office went to his parents' house in Tejero demanding for the amount so no case will be filed against their son.

However, after the amount was allegedly given, Manny was still charged in court with a drug case, which was reportedly eventually downgraded and he was able to post a P200,000 bail.

Alarcio said he wanted to have Regis' allegations be written so an investigation against Enriquez and his companions, whom Regis failed to identify, could immediately start and appropriate charges be filed against them.

RIID regional chief Agosto Marquez said that they would immediately get Regis' affidavit because Regis might change his mind. Marquez said Manny's parents first divulged Enriquez's alleged demand of P500,000 during their arrest in July in Lapu-Lapu City but later changed their mind. - Ramil .V. Ayuman and Flor Z. Perolina/LPM