Joint operation in Sambag 2, Cebu City: Cop arrested in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman and two others landed in jail after they were caught in an anti-illegal drugs operation in Sambag 2, Cebu City near midnight Tuesday.

The policeman was identified as PO1 Gem Querubin, 33, currently assigned at the Mambaling Police Station.

The two others arrested were identified as Sharon Abella, 32, who has recently been tagged as a drug personality, and Chas Elmond Chavit, 23, a resident of the barangay.

Abella, the subject of the buy-bust operation, is reportedly Querubin's girlfriend.

The operation was conducted by a joint team of the City Intelligence Branch, City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7.

The team seized 50.32 grams of suspected shabu valued at P593,776 and cash amounting to P2,500.

Police Senior Insp. Narrolf Tan, CAIDSOTG head, said Abella immediately went inside her house after the transaction with a poseur-buyer was consummated.

The team chased her into the house and was surprised to see Querubin inside. Chavit was also inside the house. The two were frisked and yielded small sachets of shabu, one from Querubin.

Investigation is ongoing to determine Querubin's link to the illegal activity.

"Ongoing ang investigation sa kapulisan kung unsa gyud ang involvement niya (Querubin) regarding sa illegal-drug trade, at the same time, unsa iya purpose or tiggamitay ba siya," Tan said.

Querubin refused to grant an interview.

Quoting Querubin, however, Tan said the police officer said he has no knowledge of Abella's business.

"Wa sya kahibaw nga mao diay to ang duwa sa babaye," he said.

Like Tan, Police Chief Insp. Christopher Lucas Navida, head of the City Intelligence Branch, said he was surprised of Querubin's arrest since the cop was never a subject of surveillance or investigation.

"We don't have any idea that he was engaged in illegal drugs activity," he told The FREEMAN.

He said they will conduct a background check on Querubin.

Cebu City Police Director Joel Doria warned his men anew against involvement in the illegal drugs trade.

"Zero tolerance po tayo when it comes to policemen involved in illegal drugs," he said.

Querubin, Abella, and Chavit are detained at the CCPO stockade. They are facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Noli Taliño said he has directed Doria to file both criminal and administrative complaints against Querubin. (FREEMAN)