Cop charged for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a police officer for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Prosecutor Jerome Abarca recommended the filing of Section 5 (coddler or protection), Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Dugs Act against Police Officer 2 Bernardito Almieda before the court.

During inquest proceeding, Almieda chose not to file a counter-affidavit to supposedly negate the allegations filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court and posted bail.

Almieda opted not to comment on the complaints filed against him when interviewed by the media.

Abarca told the media that the case filed against the respondent is bailable as the penalty of imprisonment is only 12 to 20 years. He recommended P200,000 bail for the respondent’s temporary liberty.

Reportedly, Section 5 or the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals is a non-bailable offense.

Almieda was arrested on Monday by the Provincial Intelligence Branch during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Borbon.

Though Almieda claimed that he was only in the area conducting surveillance, Police Regional Office-7 director, Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas said he could not accept his explanation.

Almieda was allegedly with alleged drug pusher, Edwin Cabahug, the subject of the buy-bust operation. Cabahug, who was charged for selling and illegal possession of drugs before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, was able to elude arrest.

The complaints filed against Cabahug were under regular filing.

Zeev Tulod, an alleged cohort of Cabahug, was arrested in the operation. During inquest proceeding, Tulod also opted not to file a counter-affidavit and manifested to face the charges in court.

Tulod was charged for a non-bailable offense.  (FREEMAN)