Fake NBI agent, 11 others arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve people, including a man who identified himself as an organic agent of the National Bureau of Investigation, were arrested by Cebu City Police Office personnel during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Apas Sunday dawn.

Chief Inspector Romeo Santander, City Intelligence Branch  chief, said that around 2 a.m. Sunday CIB and City Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations Task Group went to Sitio CRCI in Barangay Apas to go after Regil Paragile, whom Santander said was a noted drug pusher in the place who can sell around 100 grams of shabu per week.

Paragile was able to escape during the buy-bust operation, but police recovered a .45 cal. pistol and a .38 cal. revolver inside suspect’s house and 52 small packs of suspected shabu.

 CIB and CAIDSOTG operatives also arrested Regil’s brother Rodel Paragile, Jumar Caminade, Elgen Samson, Zosimo Milagrosa and Roel Placides after they were caught using shabu in Regil’s house.

Placides identified himself as an organic member of the NBI, but Santander said upon verification with the NBI, it was determined Placides was not in their list of active members.

The suspect presented an NBI identification card showing his desig-nation as an intelligence operative but the ID card had expired in 1999. He refused to answer questions from the media.

Santander said NBI is contemplating filing a criminal case against the suspect.

“Na-coordinate na nato sa NBI, they will look into this matter, hoping for the filling for appropriate charges for this person for using their agency,” said Santander.

Seven men were also arrested after being caught playing “hantak” near the house; they were identified as Viner Pugoy, William Orge, Jerryl Manulong, Jewel Pialago, Jason Adolfo, Eddie Milagrosa and Nixon Jorjio.

The suspects told reporters they were victims of mistaken identity and they were not doing anything when they were arrested.

“Nasaypan ra gyud mi ani sir, wa gyud mi gibuhat,” said one of the suspects.

City police are set to file charges against all 12 arrested persons and Regil Paragile who is still at large.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)