NBI files 3 more charges vs Joavan

CEBU - Three more charges were added to the pile of complaints lodged against Joavan Fernandez, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez’s adopted son, after he was tested positive of illegal drugs.

The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed criminal complaints against Joavan before the Talisay City Prosecutors’ Office for violations of the Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by Republic Act 8294 otherwise known as illegal possession of ammunition, Section 12 and 15 of the R.A. 9165, possession of drug paraphernalia and drug using, respectively.

The younger Fernandez was tested positive of using shabu in the drug test conducted by the NBI forensic chemistry division.

The report of forensic chemist Rommel Paglinawan said that the urine sample taken from Joavan tested positive of the presence of “Methamphetamine and its metabolite, Amphetamine.”

Paglinawan explained that shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride, once taken in, will produce metabolite known as Amphetamine. Both chemical components were found in Joavan’s urine sample.

NBI regional director Medardo de Lemos approved the recommendation of the agents who arrested the younger Fernandez to file the three criminal complaints.

The three new cases against Joavan stemmed from the drug paraphernalia and ammunition seized from him during his arrest last week.

NBI operatives arrested him Monday last week inside a massage parlor in barangay Tabunok, Talisay City based on the warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Manuel Patalinghug on charges of serious illegal detention and physical injuries.

During his arrest he was in possession of drug paraphernalia and ammunition. The Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section in Central Visayas has certified that Joavan is not authorized to possess ammunition because he is not a licensed gun owner.

The certification issued by FESAGGS chief Jacinto Cesar was also used as basis in filing the criminal complaint against the accused for illegal possession of ammunition. –Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)