Man arrested for "bribery"

CEBU, Philippines - Police in barangay Pusok in Lapu-Lapu City arrested a man for alleged attempted bribery.

Ferdidnand Avenido had allegedly offered a bribe to the police so that his two friends who are detained at the police station could be released.

Pusok police station chief Conrado Manatad said Avenido had called the station several times offering some money for the release of his friends Christopher Booc, 31, and his 11-year-old brother.

Manatad said the police have information the Booc family is engaged in the illegal drug business.

The parents buy shabu in barangay Pasil, Cebu City and then sell it in Lapu-Lapu City.

Last Saturday night, the police decided to entrap Booc.

Christopher received the buy-bust money, while his 11-year-old brother got the shabu from its hiding place.

The police immediately arrested the two brothers.

The following day, Manatad said Avenido made several calls to them and asked that the case be downgraded from Illegal drug pushing to possession of illegal drugs so that the brothers can post bail.

But when Manatad said the police would not accept any bribe, Avenido again offered them with P10,000 and on top of that, the police station will receive a weekly stipend of P3,000.

Manatad then ordered his men to prepare for an entrapment operation.

Avenido was told to bring the P10,000 to the police, but upon arriving he was immediately handcuffed.

In his detention cell, Avenido said he was only asked by someone to bring the money to the police station.

Manatad said Avenido and the Booc brothers will be charged. — (FREEMAN)