Bataan drivers, conductors nabbed in pot session

BALANGA CITY, Philippines – Some seven drivers and conductors of mini-buses plying the Mariveles-Balanga City route were arrested yesterday while having a “shabu” pot session inside the bus with marking “BJ” parked within the terminal area on Roman Boulevard, Barangay Poblacion, Mariveles town, this province.

Superintendent Romell Velasco, Mariveles police chief, told The STAR that he ordered a police team led by PO2 Amador Rosales to verify a tip off from a concerned citizen that several drivers and conductors of mini-buses were seen inside a Mazda-type mini-bus.

Velasco identified the suspects as Edwin Angeles, 43, bus driver, of Batangas Dos, Mariveles; Donald Gabay, 40, single, bus conductor, of Baseco; Rogelio Manalo, 34, bus conductor, of Sta. Rosa, Pilar town; Roberto de la Cruz, 31, bus conductor, of Tenejero, Balanga; Ireneo Manuel, 32, bus driver, of Mariveles; Robert Obdin, 50, of Barangay Cabcaben, Mariveles; and Alfredo Lintag, 55, of Orion, Bataan.

Velasco said the drivers were reportedly driving in top speed or over speeding while cruising the stretch of Roman superhighway from Balanga City to Mariveles town.

“Some drivers are allegedly speed maniacs undermining the safety of the passengers mostly college students and workers from Balanga City and from the industrial town of Limay,” a passenger reported to Velasco.

Police confiscated from the suspects several sachet of shabu, two disposable lighters, one improvised burner and aluminum foil.

The suspects are now detained at the Bataan District Jail and are facing charges for violation of the illegal drugs law.