Drugs charges filed vs. Sambag I "pushers"

CEBU, Philippines – Six suspected drug pushers preying on university students in Barangay Sambag I were charged in court yesterday.

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday filed at least three criminal cases before the Regional Trial Court against Allan Sanchez, Rovico Sanchez, Benlot Castro, Ronnie Campomanes, Jerome Tañeca and Warren Narvasa.

The fiscals found probable cause to indict the respondents into the charge.

Another suspected drug pusher, Melchor Tañeca, who was arrested with the other respondents during the drug bust operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation few weeks ago, was charged for possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

The six suspected pushers were charged for violations of Sections 12, 5 and 6 of Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

These are selling, possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a drug den.

The prosecutor’s office did not recommend bail for the temporary liberty of the six suspected pushers. However, P80,000 was recommended for Tañeca’s.

The NBI earlier arrested the accused during the drug bust operation after a parent of a student at a nearby university reported that her son allegedly frequented the drug den. A covert operation led to the arrest of the suspects. — Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)