Drug test a family decision

CEBU, Philippines - Charges are expected to be filed today against the former overseas worker who held his family hostage in Naga City Saturday but police said the man will no longer be made to undergo a drug test unless his family requests so.

“Ang drug test sa pamilya nana kay mag-depende kung ipa-rehab nila o dili,” said Supt. Brindo Nacario, chief of the Naga Police.

 The man, Veroni Bacon, 48, was placed under rehabilitation twice a few years ago but reportedly went back to drugs after he was released.

Police are expected to file a string of cases against him today for violence against women; child abuse; illegal detention; illegal possession of firearms and physical injuries; and for threatening, hurting and injuring his victims.

Bacon was said to be under the influence of drugs when he held his wife, Lendela, and two daughters aged 21 and one, hostage. It took about 10 hours before Bacon surrendered to police at around 6 p.m.

The only reason that Bacon held his family hostage was his suspicion that his wife was having an affair with another man, which Lendela denied.

The couple reportedly separated a few months ago after Bacon beat Lendela up.

The suspect’s .357 revolver has been submitted to the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory  Section to check if the gun was licensed or not.

“Ang violation of RA 10591 (illegal possession of firearm) mag-depende na sa resulta sa FESSAGS,” Nacario said in a phone interview.

Veroni was a registered industrial electrician and worked in Canada for two decades before he was forced to retire due to a health problem. This reportedly started his depression but he still became a plumber for the Naga City government.

Veroni is now detained at the Naga City police stockade. (FREEMAN)