AWOL cop yields shabu, unlicensed gun in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Police in Makati City arrested on Wednesday night a member of the Malabon City Police for possession of shabu and an unlicensed pistol.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati City Police chief, said Police Officer 1 Jomar Clemente was aboard a motorcycle when he was stopped at around 8 p.m. by police at a checkpoint along Sampaguita Street in Barangay Comembo for not wearing a crash helmet.

Lukban said the police manning the checkpoint then searched Clemente after he presented an expired driver’s license. Verification by the Makati Police showed that Clemente has been absent without official leave (AWOL) from the Malabon City Police Station.

The city police chief said the search on Clemente yielded a caliber .45 pistol loaded with seven bullets. The gun’s license was also expired when shown by Clemente.

Further search resulted in the discovery of one gram of what is suspected to be shabu contained in a plastic sachet.

Clemente, who is now detained at the Makati police headquarters, has been the subject of police surveillance for his reported drug dealings in the city.

“Minsan na syang sinubukang i-test buy. Through him, nakakuha tayo ng P2,500 worth of shabu. Kaya lang, sa method ng pagpapdala ay hindi siya nahuli,” said Lukban.

Lukban said Clemente would be facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and possession of illegal drugs.