Ashley Abad’s boyfriend: ‘Drugs not from me’

CEBU, Philippines — Neil Spencer Tiu, boyfriend of a teenage girl who died of drug overdose during a pre-Sinulog party in Cebu City, finally broke his silence amid pressure from the police to cooperate in the investigation or face the possible legal consequence.

Tiu, 23, secretly met with Cebu City Police Office director Senior Supt. Royina Garma on Valentine’s Day to deny giving ecstasy to his girlfriend Ashley Abad, 19.

Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said Tiu was accompanied by his family during the meeting with Garma. Sinas said Tiu admitted he was with Abad during the party but denied about the party drugs.

However, the boyfriend reportedly gave two names to the police that are now subject to verification and further investigation.

“Actually we are about to finish the investigation, kato uyab, kato Neil Spencer Tiu, kauban iyaha parents, nipakita, he was interviewed, denied everything.

Deny tungkol sa drugs, wala niya gi-deny nga kauban siya,” Sinas said.

Sinas said they were already wrapping up their investigation into the case when Tiu appeared before Garma. He said the police are looking at filing complaints for homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

But Garma said they have yet to determine what charges and who to file charges with.

Tiu’s lawyer Orlando Salatandre, in an interview over dyAB, said his client appeared before the police to dispel speculations that he is no longer in Cebu.

Salatandre said Tiu is emotionally obliged to help in the investigation being the boyfriend of the victim for four years.

“They have been together for at least four years, he visited Ashley’s wake twice,” Salatandre said during the radio interview.

He said they are prepared to answer if the police will file charges. Abad collapsed during a party last January 19 and died on the following day. It was later confirmed that she died of drug overdose. (FREEMAN)