Talisay court charges three men for drugs

CEBU, Philippines – Finding probable cause, the Talisay City Prosecutor's Office has indicted three men for selling illegal and dangerous drugs.

State Prosecutor Luther Benjo Macion held Pascual Ledesma, Janpol Inot and Arnold Catubay for trial for violation of illegal selling of dangerous drugs, illegal possession of dangerous drugs, and illegal possession of drugs paraphernalia under Republic Act 9165 known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

During inquest proceeding, accused chose not to file counter-affidavit to answer the allegations filed against them. Instead, they manifested to face the charges in court.

The three accused were detained as they were charged for Section 5 (illegal selling of drugs) Article 2 of RA 9165, a non-bailable offense.

The accused were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation-7 on November 8, 2014 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulacao.

The NBI confiscated 19 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P40,000 to P65,000.

Led by agent Edgardo Baldemos, the bureau conducted surveillance in the area to validate reports of illegal drug trade. Upon confirmation, the bureau conducted a buy-bust operation leading to the arrest of the three accused and nine others.

Village chief nabbed

Along with the three accused, the NBI likewise arrested Raul Cabañero, barangay captain of Bulacao for illegal gambling.

Cabañero reportedly denied rendering assistance when he was allegedly asked by the NBI to witness the inventory of 219 sachets of shabu and other pieces of evidence seized during the operation.

Cabañero was charged for illegal gambling, obstruction of justice and refusal to render assistance before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities in Talisay City.

He was however released from the custody of NBI after he posted the recommended bail for his temporary liberty for three cases before the court. Cabañero was allegedly caught playing mahjong.