PDEA can't force buy-bust suspects to take drug test

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said it cannot compel 12 persons --including six nursing students-- who were arrested the other day during a buy-bust operation in barangay Pasil to take a drug test.

PDEA-7 spokesman Jessie Tabanao said forcing them to take a drug test will be against the law. The parents of the students also refused to have their children undergo such a test.

Dangerous Drugs Board vice chairman Paul Clarence Oaminal said that the 12 accused face a long jail term if found guilty of visiting a drug den.

Under Section 2 of Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, those found guilty of going to drug dens shall be meted imprisonment ranging from twelve 12 years and one day to 20 years and fine from P100,000 to P500,000.

“Mas pabor unta ni sa ilaha kung ma-prove nga migamit sila og illegal drugs.  Pwede sila nga mo-petition for voluntary rehabilitation,” Oaminal said, further saying that through this, there are big chances that the suspects will not be convicted.

Tabanao said that they will only file a charge for visiting a drug den against the six students including and six other suspects on Tuesday before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, a charge for violation of Section 5 (Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals) Article 2 of RA 9165 will be filed against alleged drug pushers Junrey Chavez and Arthur Ybañez.

Chavez and his cousin Ybañez were arrested the other day following a buy-bust operation by elements of the PDEA-7 along Caban St., barangay Pasil, the other twelve were later found in what was believed to be a drug den inside Chavez’ house.

While the PDEA-7 clarified they were not caught in the act of using drugs, shabu and drug paraphernalia were found on the table in the room.

They were identified as Nursing students Ralph Tamelin, 21; Ariel Quiliope, 22; Christopher Roy, 19; Gersome Arnesin, 22; Sunshine Alicaya, 25; Dominic Cosen, 22.

The rest were Cecilio Otero, 40; Alvin Taran, 22; Gwendolyn Marie Cañares, 32; Eljoe Mier, 18; Jeffrey Chavez, 34; and Dionito Gaviola, 34. – Niña G. Sumacot with Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP (THE FREEMAN)