Father, 2 sons nabbed in buy-bust operation

CEBU, Philippines - A father and his two sons were arrested by the police during a drug buy-bust operation in Sitio Sambag, Barangay San Vicente, Liloan last Tuesday.

Operatives of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group seized several packs of shabu worth P60,000 from Hilario “Lario” Atis, 63,  and his sons Norvin, 29 and Herwin, 31.

Police operatives also recovered repacking materials for shabu and a Black Widow Caliber .22 magnum loaded with three bullets. Hilario had been under surveillance for a couple of week before the operation. An undercover policeman bought a small pack of shabu worth P250 from Hilario during the drug bust. The firearm was confiscated from Herwin.

According to the police, Hilario was also arrested in 2007 for illegal drugs. He was jailed for a while but was able to post bail. He returned in his illegal drug business two months ago and is classified as level two drug pusher.

Complaints for violation of Sections 5, 11, and 12 of RA 9165 or Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are now being prepared against them. A separate complaint for illegal possession of firearm will be filed against Herwin. The complaints will be filed today before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against six of the eight drug suspects arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Talamban.

State Prosecutor Ricky Jones Macabaya held Anna Roa, Romeo Baylon, Ferdinand Jugador, Jonthan Cortes, Christopher Dizon, and Jhonilito Mayol liable to face trial after they waived their right to avail of a preliminary investigation.

They were arrested by the NBI operatives led by lawyer Bernard dela Cruz for selling 300 grams of shabu worth P1.5 million.

The two other suspects, Junrey Anseo and Archie Cabrellos, signed a waiver of detention to avail of their right to a preliminary investigation. — (FREEMAN)