Binay commends Makati police's anti-narcotics unit

MANILA, Philippines - For helping to convict five drug traffickers last year, the Special Anti-illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group (SAID-SOTG) of the Makati Police and agents of the Makati Anti-Drug Council (MADAC) on Monday received certificates of commendation from Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay.

Binay, who chairs MADAC, commended the anti-drug operatives for having successfully brought the five felons to justice through giving credible testimonies backed by evidence presented in court during trial.

“The city government and the people of Makati thank you for doing an excellent job in apprehending drug offenders and seeing to their proper prosecution and just conviction. You are truly our reliable partners in sustaining our advocacy towards a ‘drug-free Makati City’,” Binay said.

The five offenders’ cases were separately tried and convicted at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branches 64 and 65 from July to November 2013. The offenders will all be serving life sentences after being found guilty of selling and possession of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The commendation was received by officers of Makati PNP SAID-SOTG, namely, Police Chief Inspector Armando L. Yu, SPO1 Nildo T. Orsua, SPO1 Rafael J. Castillo, PO2 Michelle V. Gimena, PO2 Renie E. Aseboque, PO2 Ronnie E. Aseboque and PO2 Glenn S. Gonzalvo.

MADAC agents meanwhile who were recognized were Johnyfer S. Cureg, Phillip A. Roberto, Bobby L. Venalon, Claro V. Lima, Noven B. Lauriano, Teddy Boy A. Eusebio and Gregorio T. Macarubo.

Convicted on July 25, 2013 were Rochelyn Velasco y Rulloda and Roderick Paraiso y Corpuz, both at RTC Branch 65. Velasco was fined ₱500,000 for selling illegal substances and sentenced to life imprisonment. Paraiso was sentenced to life imprisonment plus imprisonment from 12 years and one day to 14 years and eight months, and fined P800,000 for illegal sale and possession of illegal substances.

At the same courtroom, Joseph Calibusao y Dagdag was also given a life sentence and fined ₱500,000 last September 26, 2013 for selling illegal drugs.

Last October 24, Renz Leane Vasquez was ordered to pay a fine of P800,000 and sentenced to life imprisonment, with additional term of 12 years and one day to 14 years and eight days for selling and possession. His accomplice, Angelino Garingan y Vergara, also got a life sentence and was fined P500,000 for selling drugs. Both were tried and convicted at Branch 65.

At the RTC Branch 64, Teodoro Cunanan y Amor was given the life sentence last November 4, 2013 and fined 500,000 for selling prohibited drugs.

Last year, MADAC was recognized by a number of national government agencies for its exemplary performance and initiatives, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government-NCR, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Department of Education-NCR.