CEBU, Philippines - A criminal case for drug peddling was filed in court against the two suspected members of a Mindanao-based robbery gang, who were arrested in Talisay City during a buy-bust operation last week.
The Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted Felixberto Mata, 56, and Aljun Sanchez, 29, for violation of Section 5, Article II of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Bail was not recommended by Talisay City Prosecutor Marshall Rubia, who signed the indictment, for the temporary liberty of the two accused.
The accused, both from Mindanao, were arrested after selling shabu to joint operatives of the Cebu City Police Office and the Talisay City police.
The team led by Supt. Pablo Labra II and Chief Inspector George Ylanan seized P40,000 worth of shabu.
Mata and Sanchez are suspected members of the Roy Quimada robbery gang.
The Quimada group is suspected of having pulled a string of robberies in the city.
A 9 mm pistol, which belonged to SPO2 Emmanuel Sarmiento, was among the items seized from the accused in Ramona Village, barangay San Isidro Talisay City during the operation.
The gun was allegedly taken by the men, who robbed Sarmiento’s halo-halo store in barangay Tabunok last October 27.
The two alleged robbers are also being linked to the robbery of a money changer in Tabunok last December 22.
Police operatives ordered a pack of shabu from Mata during the buy-bust.
The first transaction was supposed to be done in Mambaling, but was transferred to Ramona Village.
Aside from drugs and the 9 mm pistol the police also recovered two .38 cal. revolvers, a .45 cal. pistol, and more than 300 rounds of ammunition and drug paraphernalia. — Fred P. Languido/NLQ (FREEMAN NEWS)