PDEA files charges vs. shabu suspects

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has filed charges against the five nursing students arrested at an alleged drug den in barangay Pasil during a buy-bust operation last April 3.

Facing charges are Ralph Tamelin, Jersome Armecin, Christopher Roy Lazarte, Dominic Cohen and Sunshine Alicaya, all fourth year students of the University of Southern Philippines.

They were charged for alleged violation of Section 7 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for visiting a drug den.

Nine others were also charged, including Junrey Chavez, the owner of the alleged drug den, and his runner, a certain Arthur Ybañez for alleged violation of Section 5 of the law. Both were not granted bail

A PDEA agent first reportedly bought two packs of shabu from Chavez in a test buy operation before the rest of the operatives went inside Chavez’s property and found several persons allegedly sniffing shabu in a room, among whom are the SWU students.

The other persons arrested include Junito Gaviola, Jeffrey Chavez, Eljoe Mier, Cecillo Otero, Alvin Taran, and a certain Gwendolyn.

But the SWU students said they only went to Chavez’s place to take shelter from the rain that afternoon. They said they went to barangay Pasil to claim a digital camera and cellphone from a pawnshop there.

However, it reportedly rained, which prompted them to take shelter at Chavez’s place where there were videokarera units. They said they played with the videokarera machines while waiting for the rain to stop.

The suspects, who denied taking part in the alleged drug session, are currently detained at the PDEA jail. – Jasmin R. Uy/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)