Lovers get life for illegal drug trade

Saying it is morally convinced that the accused committed the crime, the Regional Trial Court has sentenced to life imprisonment two lovers who were arrested for selling shabu during a buy-bust operation.

The buy-bust operation was conducted in Calajo-an, Minglanilla wherein PO2 Reynaldo Solante posed as the supposed buyer. Solante testified in court that he directly expressed his intention to buy to accused Maribeth Basua who, in turn, channeled the intent to her live-in partner Ronnie Dalde. Solante said it was Dalde who handed him a medium-sized pack of shabu.

It was when Dalde handed the shabu over to Solante when the latter and his companion PO3 Tiburcio Heramil identified themselves as policemen.

The two accused denied the charge, saying the policemen actually barged into their house when they were having dinner. They said the policemen did not have a search warrant and allegedly did not seize any drugs from them.

In his decision, RTC Judge Gabriel Ingles said the testimonies have indicated that the arresting officers had no improper or ill motive against both accused as to falsely accuse them of the charge. Likewise, there reportedly was no clear and convincing evidence, which established that the police officers planted the evidence.

"Not only do the arresting officers enjoy the presumption of regularity in the performance of their official functions, which was not rebutted by any clear and convincing evidence of irregularity and ill-motive, their testimonies that they caught herein accused in a buy-bust operation detailing the same and supported by the presentation of the pack of shabu identified by them to have been bought from both accused, are positive in character," Ingles said. — Joeberth M. Ocao/MEEV