Cop, civilian nabbed during shabu session

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman and his companion were placed under arrest Wednesday night after they were caught in the middle of a shabu session inside a shanty along A. Lopez Street in barangay Calamba.

Arrested were PO3 Raksidy Galido Abalo, 54, a resident of Talisay City and Bobby Tampus Inoc, 29, a resident of barangay Calamba.

Abalo is assigned in Madridejos town in Bantayan Island and is set to retire from service.

San Nicolas Police Station chief Noel Lomente said Abalo’s wife and two other men were allegedly in the shabu session, but eluded arrest.

 Policemen from the San Nicolas Police Station composed of Insp. Elezar Abrigana, SPO1 Roger Sering, and PO2s Eric Ricardel and Mark Pateño were patrolling the area when they chanced upon the two suspects past 9pm.

The shanty is believed to be a haven for drug users in the area.   The team confiscated two pieces of tinfoil, two pieces of hand-rolled tinfoil, two pieces of paper wicks, and also two pieces of disposable lighters from Abalo and Inoc.   Abalo and Inoc are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Lomente said Abalo was assigned in Mobile Patrol Group but was relieved also for using drugs.

“Noted na sab jud ni siya nga tiggamitan ug drugs. Nawarningan naman gani ni siya sa IDMB sauna pero gibuhat pa jud niya. Dili man ka mahawa siguro sa CCPO kung magtinarung lang ka,” Lomente said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Police Director Jesus Gaquing has ordered the filing of administrative charges against Abalo.

“Although binuhatan na niya pero nauwawan gihapon mi kay police sab biya siya. Dili lang sa CPPO police kundi tibuok PNP organization,” Gaquing said. — Niña G. Sumacot and Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)