2 women, minor face drug charges

CEBU, Philippines – The police are set to file today charges for violation of anti-illegal drugs law against two women and a minor who were arrested in a buy-bust operation on A. S. Fortuna Street, Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City last Tuesday night.

The suspects were Loida Sabala, 39, a resident of Barangay Banilad, Cebu City; Marissa dela Torre, 28, of Sitio Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City, and a minor who is believed to be the niece of dela Torre.

Recovered from the suspects during their arrest was one big plastic sealed sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be a shabu and a P500 bill used as buy-bust money. All these things were already forwarded to the PNP Crime Laboratory.

"Bug-at ang kaso nga among ipasaka nila tungod kay nakalapas sila sa Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Anti-Drug Law of 2002,"said SPO3 Kerwin Bejer of Mandaue City Police Office.

Bejer pointed out that a concerned citizen had coordinated with them in conducting the buy-bust operation that led in the arrest of the suspects.

He said they are hoping that more people would do the same to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community.

According to a concerned citizen, the suspects have been engaged in the illegal business for years. She said it is her way of helping the government in the anti-illegal drug campaign.

Bejer also added that the minor who was arrested with the two women may be referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper disposition.

"Sa bahin aning minor nga naapil kay gi-rescue ni nato siya ug unsa man gani ihatod ni siya sa DSWD," Bejer said.

As of this writing, the suspects are still detained at MCPO Station 1. (THE FREEMAN)