Arrested brgy captain posts bail

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Bulacao, Talisay City who is facing several charges is out of jail after posting bail yesterday.

The prosecutor’s office earlier recommended that Raul Cabañero pay a P1,000 bail for illegal gambling; P12,000 for obstruction of justice; and P3,000 for refusal to render assistance.

The National Bureau of Investigation filed the cases against Cabañero last Monday after the barangay captain allegedly refused to assist the bureau in a buy-bust operation in his barangay last Saturday. The NBI had asked him to witness the inventory of evidence that would be seized during the operation.

Cabañero was later found playing mahjong just a few meters away from where the buy-bust was carried out, thus, he was arrested.

NBI Asst. Regional Director Dominador Cimafranca said the operation was against Pascual Ledesma, Janpol Inot, and Arnold Catubay who were eventually arrested and charged for selling and possessing dangerous drugs. The NBI recovered 219 sachets of shabu during the bust.

The NBI also arrested Jegier Teaño, Raymond Sagun, Anieber Cabriana, Ricky Bacus, Dave Yosores, Kenneth Abellana, Mirinda Cabriana and Bryle Segarra for visiting a drug den. They were also sued before the prosecutor’s office.

Cimafranca said Cabañero’s arrest will serve as a lesson to elected officials not to refuse to render assistance if their services are needed. – (FREEMAN)