Worker arrested over 15 sacks of charcoal

CEBU, Philippines - A worker of the Cebu Provincial Government was apprehended after he was caught transporting 15 sacks of charcoal without permit at around 11: 30 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion, Tabuelan Cebu last Tuesday.

Efren Flores, 39, married, a resident of Villagonzalo, Tejero, Cebu City and assigned at the Tuburan District Hospital, was caught during a checkpoint.

He had with him in his red multicab the sacks of charcoal estimated to cost P1,500 that were not covered with a permit to transport from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Moreover, police found in plain view a 38 caliber, which they also confiscated as Flores did not have a permit to carry firearms.

Flores is now in the custody of the Tabuelan Police Station. The sacks of charcoal were turned over to DENR.

Capitol consultant on security matters, Ret. Col. Cesar Veloso, said he already forwarded the pertinent documents of the government-issued firearm of Flores.

Veloso also clarified that Flores is not a member of the Civil Security Unit (CSU) as reported. He is a utility worker designated as security guard at the Tuburan District Hospital, which is run by the Provincial Government.

Upon learning of the incident, Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin said he will conduct administrative proceedings against Flores.

Habin told The FREEMAN that the Committee on Discipline and Investigation will find out the extent of Flores’ violation and will recommend action to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. — (FREEMAN)