Three Dalaguete "pushers" charged

CEBU, Philippines - A string of criminal charges were filed yesterday in court against the three suspected drug pushers in Dalaguete who were engaged in a shootout with the police during a buy-bust operation over the weekend.

The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has found probable cause to indict Jojo Gañolon, Brian Carali and Loreano Heredia for several violations of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The accused who were all residents of Barangay Nalhug, Dalaguete waived their rights to avail of the preliminary investigation and opted to answer the charges in court.

Gañolon, Carali and Heredia were all charged for violations of Section 11 and 12 of Article II of the R.A. 9165.

Gañolon and Carili were also charged for illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of explosives, respectively. The two were not allowed to post bail while Heredia needs to put up a total of P240,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

The three accused denied the charges against them when interviewed at the prosecutor’s office.

Gañolon said that the alleged shabu confiscated in his possession by the operatives of the Dalaguete Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) belongs to his brother Joseph who died during the encounter.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Intelligence Branch (CIB) Chief Romeo Santander is planning to conduct a one day seminar for financial institutions and pawnshops which offer money transfer service.

The plan is an offshoot of the anti-drug operation in Dalaguete wherein several money transfer documents amounting to over half million pesos were recovered by the police.

Santander said they need the cooperation of these institutions in their anti-drug operations. According to Santander, money transfer service providers should inform the police about suspicious transactions.

“Follow up ni sa among gihimo before against illegal drug transactions,” said Santander.

Santander said they are already preparing official invitations which will be sent anytime this week. – (FREEMAN)