Drug suspect arrested anew for hotel trouble

CEBU, Philippines - The son of a former owner of a local taxi company was arrested anew for alleged possesion of illegal drugs and for allegedly harassing a hotel employee late evening Sunday.

The subject, Avelino de la Torre Rosal, was also arrested roughly a week ago for similar complaints.

In the incident Sunday, PO1 Meonik Cabañero of the Mobile Patrol Group (MPG) said they were patrolling Sanciangko Street when personnel of the hotel flagged their vehicle right in the middle of the road.

The hotel personnel said they had a difficult time subduing Rosal who allegedly threw a chair at one of their co-workers who asked the suspect if he wanted to extend his stay. This reportedly happened around 11pm.

Cabañero said they tried to persuade Rosal to come out of the room peacefully, but Rosal refused and said he is a cop himself and should be left alone. This forced the policemen to kick the door open and inside caught Rosal in the act of sniffing shabu.

Rosal resisted arrest but was no match with the police. He was later brought to Cebu City Police Office stockade. 

Two small sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, several drug paraphernalia and cash worth P5,000 were seized from the suspect’s room.

“He was apparently high on drugs when we arrested him (suspect) because there were roughly seven empty sachets inside his room,” Cabañero said.

Rosal quickly denied ownership of the drugs seized from his room.

Cabañero said Rosal’s arrest was a relief for both hotel personnel and its guests because he has become a nuisance to everyone.

He said they also recovered a release order in relation to the case for illegal possession of drug paraphernalia that Rosal is also facing. He was released from detention after he posted bail earlier this week.

Rosal was arrested last February 14, 2012 at a motel along General Maxilom Avenue after destroying motel equipment and harassing employees.  (FREEMAN)