Ex-councilman indicted for drugs, can’t post bail

CEBU, Philippines - The Bogo City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against a former barangay councilman of Panugnawan, Medellin for illegal drug trade and gun possession.

Buenaventura “Verino” Diaz, 37, was indicted for illegal selling of drugs and for maintaining a drug den, both in violations of Section 5 and Section 6, respectively, of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The suspect was also indicted for illegal possession of firearms, said Police Officer 3 Ryan Castro of Medellin Police Station in an interview with The FREEMAN.

During the inquest proceeding, Diaz opted not to file a counter-affidavit to answer the allegations lodged against him, said Castro. Instead, the suspect manifested to face the charges in court.

Along with Diaz, other named accused were Roberto “Ruby” Opon, 32; Ernani Sinoy, 35; Rafil Ypil, 45; Noel Gullin, 19; Rodeo Cutab, 30; Randy Alarde, 37; Randy Vargas, 39; Dustin Bedrijo, 35; Mak Anthony Rondina, 32; and Ian Pepito, 26.

Opon was charged for violation of Section 5 and Section 11 or for illegal possession of drugs and for illegal possession of firearms while the rest were charged for visiting a den, a violation of Section 7 of RA 9165.

Only Gullin and Alarde posted the recommended P200,000 bail for their temporary liberty.

The accused were arrested Sunday in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Panugnawan.

The police recovered from Diaz a cal. 357 revolver with six live ammunition for a cal. 38 revolver and a cal. 9mm pistol with six live ammunition from Opon. They also recovered the buy-bust money from both suspects.  — Mylen P. Manto/NSA (FREEMAN)