Faeldon’s son freed

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines —  The alleged drug den was reportedly operated by the father of his girlfriend. But Nicanor Faeldon Jr., son and namesake of Bureau of Corrections Director Nicanor Faeldon, has been ordered freed from jail by the city prosecutor’s office here.

Officials at Camp General Simeon Ola here confirmed yesterday afternoon that Faeldon Jr. was released after he convinced the prosecutor’s office that he was merely a boarder in the alleged drug den in Barangay Mabolo, Naga City.

Faeldon had been charged with visiting a drug den, in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, told The STAR that Faeldon’s presence during the raid by authorities was due to his being a boarder in the house of Russel Lanuzo, whose charges were affirmed by the prosecutor’s office.

Faeldon also tested negative for illegal drugs. Police officials had pointed out that a person visiting a drug den need not test positive for drug use.

Calubaquib said Allan Valdez, 44, and Manuel Nebres, 39, were also released because there was “not enough evidence” to prove that the raided house where Faeldon was present was indeed a drug den.

“The fiscal’s office found no probable cause to detain Faeldon, Valdez and Nebres. All of them are released today,” Calubaquib confirmed.

Lanuzo, however, remained in jail after the seven sachets found in their possession when the arrest warrants were served turned out positive for shabu based on the crime laboratory examination done in the camp.