11 arrested in Duljo drug ops charged

CEBU, Philippines - Charges have been filed against the 11 drug suspects arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City last week.

The Cebu City Intelligence Branch (CIB) filed the charges against Janet Domin, the alleged caretaker of the drug den, and Beryl Loren Pañe, Josefa Tabasa, Sally Mangolari, Jerry Ybañez, Roger Abellanosa, Julius Atillo, Velvic Tabasa, Christian Aguilos, Christian Bautista and Aldwin Abejo.

They will be tried for alleged violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

During the operation, the police seized 235 small packs or equivalent to 17 grams of shabu. This amount, SPO2 Aricio Monruid said, is no longer bailable. 

Assorted drug paraphernalia found inside two of the rooms in the drug den were also confiscated.

Domin, in an interview, explained that she was only forced to get involved as “caretaker” out of poverty.

“Inosente gyod ko ana sir. Mo-college na akong anak. Kung makagawas ko, di na gyod ko anang trabahoa,” she said.

Superintendent Romeo Santander, CIB chief, earlier said Pañe, Tabasa and Mangolari reportedly worked in shifts also as caretakers of the drug den, while most of the seven other suspects were motorcycle-for-hire drivers.

Also during the operation, authorities rescued five minors caught sniffing shabu and immediately turned them over to the Department of Social and Welfare Services. —(FREEMAN)