NBI hits lack of support from Brgy Ermita execs

CEBU, Philippines - A string of criminal cases will be filed today before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office against an alleged “shabu tiange” operator in Barangay Ermita who was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation during a buy-bust operation Monday afternoon.

NBI-7 Director Max Salvador said at least three charges will be filed against Rodelito “Gigi” Gabijie (not Cabijer as earlier reported). These include possession of illegal drugs, selling, and maintaining a drug den in violation of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Salvador said Gabijie will also face a separate case for drug use if tested positive in the drug test. The 28 other suspects arrested during the operation will face criminal complaints for visiting a drug den and drug use depending on the result of their drug test.

Agent Larry Dominguez, who led the operation, said they are also checking information that Gabijie is a City Hall employee. The City Hall personnel division, however, said he is not in the roster of personnel. But, a staff at the personnel division said Gabijie could be a job order employee. 

NBI operatives seized more than 120 sachets of shabu and several drug paraphernalia from the drug den allegedly operated by Gabijie about 30 meters away from the Barangay Hall of Ermita. The NBI described Gabijie as “untouchable”.

In fact, NBI operatives lamented the barangay officials’ lack of cooperation during the conduct of the operation. According to the NBI, Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta refused to be a witness to the operation.

Rupinta denied the allegation saying, he had two barangay tanods accompany the operatives to serve as witness.

“Pagkalakaw nako sa barangay hall naabot sila maong wala gyod mi personal nagka-istorya. Binuang man pod nang ingnon ming wala mitabang,” Rupinta said.

Rupinta defended himself from criticisms because of his failure to prevent the operation of “shabu tiange” near the barangay hall. He blamed the police for alleged failure to act on his feedback.

According to him, he had been giving feedback to the police about the illegal drug problem in his barangay but it was not acted upon.

“Mao na ron, unya kami ingnan nga wala mitabang?” he said.

Despite admitting that illegal drug operators in his barangay are enjoying protection, he vowed to continue the fight against illegal drugs.

“Magsige gyod gihapon among mga operasyon and hatag feedback sa police kay kahibaw gyod tang tanan nga naay armas gyod na sila ug naa pod nay nanalipod ana nila,” he added.—/FPL (FREEMAN)