2 minors, 3 other ‘armed group’ members charged

CEBU, Philippines - Five men, including two minors, who are allegedly members of a newly-formed armed group operating in the mountain barangays in southern Cebu were charged before the Regional Trial Court.

Buenaventura “Boy” Maglinte, 35, and a minor are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, while Reynaldo Ensila Carubio, 18; John Bert Nieves Odias, 20; and another minor are charged for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police Officer 2 Leon Gesim of Dalaguete Police Station said they lodged the complaints before the Office of the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor last Tuesday.

The police filed charges against the two minors after the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office found out that both acted with discernment, said Gesim.

On that same day, State Prosecutor Mary Anne Demano recommended elevating the charges against the five men before the RTC after they opted not to submit counter-affidavit.

The suspects who allegedly belong to an armed group involved in illegal drugs were arrested in a joint operation by Dalaguete and Alcoy police operatives last Monday in Sitio Amonsao, Barangay Catulohan, Dalaguete.

They were reportedly caught in the act of packing shabu inside the hideout of Maglinte, who is being wanted for murder.

Police seized at least five grams of shabu worth P59,000 from Maglinte and two packs of shabu from one of the minors.

They also confiscated a cal. 38 revolver with ammunition from Carubio, a cal. 45 pistol with ammunition from Odias, and a cal. 38 revolver also with live rounds from the other minor.

Maglinte had been arrested for homicide but was able to post bail. He also has a pending arrest warrant for murder.

Gesim said Maglinte, Carubio and Odias will be transferred to the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center after the release of their commitment order from the court next week.

On the other hand, the two minors will be brought to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Argao for custody.

The five suspects are temporarily detained at the Dalaguete Police Station. —/NSA (FREEMAN)