Drugs in minglanilla NBI-7 not naming cops tagged as “protectors”

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation-7 is not disclosing any names of policemen tagged as protectors of a drug den it raided on Sunday in Barangay Tiber, Minglanilla, Cebu because there is no evidence yet.

Assistant Regional Director Dominador Cimafranca said their office is still conducting an investigation to verify intelligence report that the area was allegedly under the protection of some policemen.

A total of 23 suspects were arrested during the anti-drug operation, including John Harold Aledon, 22; Aljun Abella, 26; and Roberto Heredia, 54, who were all the subjects of the operation.

Led by agent Larry Dominguez, the NBI confiscated several drugs sniffing paraphernalia and an estimated 20 grams of shabu.

Abella and the other suspects, though, denied the accusations against them.

Abella, a Korean School teacher, said he was just inside his house resting when he heard a commotion outside. Alarmed, he went outside to check what it was about, but was surprised when he was arrested by the NBI agents.

“I asked them, (NBI agents) why I was handcuffed…though walay enough reason,” he told the media.

Abella said it was his relative who lived in the same house who sold shabu, not him.

One of three minors who were also arrested likewise denied involvement. He claimed he went to the area to play basketball and was surprised when he was suddenly arrested.

The 13-year-old minor claimed he was just setting on a bench when accosted.

The NBI-7 would be filing today different criminal complaints against the four arrested suspects and the rest of the arrested persons. — (FREEMAN)