Lawmaker’s grandson nabbed for shabu

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a grandson of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and four others in a drug raid in Dasmariñas City Friday night.

Harrel Barzaga, 39, and his companions were reportedly using shabu in the Barzaga compound in Pasong Lawin when NBI agents arrived to serve a search warrant at around 10 p.m., said lawyer Eric Isidoro, chief of NBI-Reaction, Arrest, and Interdiction Division.

Seized from the suspects were nine plastic sachets said to contain shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Isidoro said the raid stemmed from complaints filed before the bureau by Harrel’s neighbors, who claimed Harrel and his friends create trouble, especially at night. The NBI placed the Barzaga compound under surveillance for a month before staging the raid.

Undercover agents also conducted a drug sting in the area, which reportedly turned out positive, before launching the raid.

Isidoro said shabu sessions in area were usually held at night, so his men had to wait until dark.

The suspects allegedly tried to flee but were caught after a brief chase.

Charges for violating the Dangerous Drugs Act will be filed against the suspects, Isidoro said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Barzaga said he would not interfere with his grandson’s case.

He said he heard about the news from his fellow lawmakers and journalists who were seeking his comment. He said Harrel’s grandfather was his cousin.

“The rule of law must prevail and the legal process is being implemented,” Barzaga said. – With Paolo Romero