No bail for man who ‘sold’ drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against a man charged for allegedly selling dangerous drugs.

Samuel Malata, 31, a resident of Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City, was held for trial for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In his charge sheet, Prosecutor II Van Russell Inopiquez wrote: “…accused, with deliberate intent, and without authority of law, did then and there sell, deliver or give away to a poseur buyer one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of white crystalline substance, weighing 0.03 grams, locally known as shabu.”

In an inquest proceeding, Malata chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegations filed against him before the Prosecutor’s Office. Instead, he manifested to answer it before the court.

Senior Police Officer 1 Artemio Tumakay III and three other policemen of Carbon Police Station alleged that at around 6:26 p.m. on October 27, 2015, they arrested Malata for alleged illegal selling of dangerous drugs.

Prior to the arrest, the police officers said they conducted surveillance in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City regarding the alleged illegal activities in the area.

Confirming such report, the Carbon police then conducted an entrapment operation.

 Tumakay and other police officers said when the transaction was consummated, they then arrested the accused.

“After the transaction was consummated I, Police Officer 2 Venancio Sularte Jr. took my cap as pre-arranged signal. The team then swooped down to effect the arrest of Malata,” the judicial affidavit read.  (FREEMAN)