PNP won’t retract charges filed vs Nicanor Faeldon son

MANILA, Philippines — The police will not retract the charges filed against Nicanor Faeldon Jr., son and namesake of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Nicanor Faeldon, even if he tested negative for drug use, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde maintained that the issue is not whether the younger Faeldon tested positive or negative for drug use, but whether or not he is involved in the illegal drug trade.

“He will be given due process,” Albayalde told reporters in a chance interview.

Faeldon, 32, was arrested along with three others at a suspected drug den allegedly operated by his girlfriend’s father in Naga City on Friday. Faeldon tested negative for drug use but his companions tested positive.

Police on Saturday filed charges against Faeldon for visiting a drug den in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Albayalde reiterated that no special treatment was given to the younger Faeldon and that he is being treated as any other suspected drug offender.

“Everybody is being treated equally,” the PNP chief said.

Albayalde earlier lauded the elder Faeldon for not seeking special favors for his son.

Meanwhile, the BuCor chief attended the agency’s flag-raising ceremony yesterday morning.

But Faeldon did not speak before BuCor officials and employees.

Faeldon also declined interviews with the media.

Faeldon had offered to take a leave of absence following the arrest of his son but Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra saw no need for the BuCor chief to go on leave.– With Ghio Ong