PDEA agent admits lapses in mayoral bet's drug bust

MANILA, Philippines - An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) admitted yesterday in open court to lapses when they arrested Mandaluyong City mayoral bet Ernest Albert Domingo Buan for possession of cocaine last Jan. 29.

Government prosecutors presented Intelligence Officer 2 Randy Paragas during a hearing presided by Pasig Regional Trial Court Judge Abraham Borreta on a petition for bail filed by Buan.

During cross-examination, Paragas admitted they did not conduct a “test buy” in Buan’s case. The test buy is normal practice during drug busts.

Buan’s lawyers said photos of the items allegedly confiscated from Buan were not taken in the presence of media or barangay officials with jurisdiction over the area where Buan was arrested.

In an interview, Borreta emphasized a urine sample from Buan that tested positive for shabu and ecstasy is immaterial to the case being heard. “He was charged for selling and not for drug use,” Borreta said. 

Borreta gave both sides until April 5 to submit their comment on the motion to post bail. He said he would release his decision on Buan’s bail plea after reviewing the comments of the prosecution and the defense.  – Non Alquitran