Ex-Navy gets 13 years in jail for marijuana

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court yesterday has sentenced a retired serviceman of the Philippine Navy of 13 years in jail after he was found guilty for possession of 2.21 grams of marijuana.

RTC Branch 13 Judge Meinrado Paredes meted Jerry Loseo, 46, of Pardo, Cebu City of 13 years imprisonment after the latter was arrested for possession of a stick of marijuana weighing 0.10 grams and dried marijuana leaves weighing 2.11 grams last March 7, 2006.

Loseo was arrested along Manalili Street for violating traffic rules by speeding off despite the red light.

PO3 Norman Patindol who was then inside a patrol car tried to flag down Loseo but he continued speeding off towards Juan Luna Street where he was arrested.

When Patindol asked for Loseo’s license, a stick of marijuana was found being inserted into the license. During a body search, Patindol recovered dried marijuana leaves placed in a pack of cigarette inside his pocket.

Loseo confirmed that he was stopped by the police but alleged that he was arrested after the police officers failed to apprehend the person they were actually chasing.

However, the court said it cannot lend credence to his testimony because it was vague and uncorroborated.

“There was no need to coordinate with the PDEA because this is not a buy bust operation. The police officers were on routine patrol,” Paredes said. — Jasmin U. Labaco/WAB    (FREEMAN NEWS)