Woman, 68, six others charged for illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The 68-year-old woman and six others who were arrested in a drug den in Purok Dama de Noche, Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City were all indicted before the court.

Police Officer 1 Jason Elnar, desk officer of Gun-ob Police Station, said alleged drug den owner Victoria Tampus is now facing a non-bailable offense for violation of sections 5, 6 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police seized a medium pack of shabu from Tampus, who allegedly owns the drug den the police raided on July 24.

Tampus’ son, Marlon Tesorio, 45, is also facing charges for violation of sections 11 and 12 of RA 9165 and for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

At least 17 small packs of shabu, drug paraphernalia and a .22 caliber pistol with ammunition were recovered from Tesorio.

Tampus’ granddaughter Jocelyn Tesorio, 31, was also indicted for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 after 13 small packs and a medium pack of shabu were confiscated from her possession.

Grace Rapada and Jason Valiente, both 27, are also charged for possession of one small pack of shabu and drug paraphernalia each.

Cedric Jabal, 24, and Finely Casul, 40, who were inside the drug den reportedly using drugs, were also charged under RA 9165.

The seven suspects are all residents of Purok Dama de Noche. All the illegal drugs seized amounted to P50,000.

Elnar said only Jabal invoked his right to preliminary investigation during the inquest proceeding before Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor Dinah Jane Portugal on July 29. Jabal posted bail of P200,000 for his temporary liberty.

Tampus and the five others, on the other hand, opted not to submit counter-affidavit, said Elnar.

The suspects are now detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-7 following the commitment order issued by Judge James Steward Himalaloan of Regional Trial Court Branch 54 on August 2.

Police earlier received complaints about the suspects’ illegal drug activities, thus, conducted the raid, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Senior Inspector Wilbert Parilla, chief of Gun-ob Police Station, has said that they received a complaint through text message that Tampus has once again operated a drug den.

Last year, the suspect’s small drug den was destroyed but no charges were filed against her due to her old age and for humanitarian considerations. (FREEMAN)