Charges filed vs barangay captain caught gambling

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation-7 has filed a criminal complaint for illegal gambling against the barangay captain of Bulacao, Talisay City before the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday.

Assistant Regional Director Dominador Cimafranca said the complaints for illegal gambling, obstruction of justice, and refusal to render assistance were filed against Raul Cabañero.

Cimafranca said that on Saturday, the bureau conducted a buy-bust operation against Pascual Ledesma, Janpol Inot, and Arnold Catubay in Barangay Bulacao.

However, he said when they asked Cabañero, an Association of Barangay Councils president in Talisay City for assistance, the latter allegedly refused to coordinate. He added his agent found out that Cabañero was playing mahjong leading to his arrest.

Ledesma, Inot and Catubay were arrested and sued for illegal selling and illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

The NBI recovered 219 sachets of shabu during the said operation.

Aside from the sachet of shabu, the agents also arrested Jegier Teaño, Raymond Sagun, Anieber Cabriana, Ricky Bacus, Dave Yosores, Kenneth Abellana, Mirinda Cabriana and Bryle Segarra for visiting a drug den. They were slapped with charges for visiting a drug den.

Cimafranca said Baldemos and his team conducted more than three weeks surveillance before conducting a buy-bust operation.

Cabañero was arrested a few meters away from where the buy-bust was conducted.

Lawyer Julius Caesar Entise, legal counsel of Cabañero, said they chose not to avail of the preliminary investigation.

He said they prefer that the cases be elevated to the court for them to post bail, adding the total bail for three cases filed against Cabañero is P16,000.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Anti-drug Abuse Commission  reminded barangay officials on their role during anti-illegal drug operations.

Joey Herrera, executive director of CPADAC, said barangay officials are mandated under the law to sign the copies of the inventory of the seized dangerous drugs and paraphernalia.

“Ang barangay officials kinahanglan mo-witness gyud aron malig-on ang kaso. Kanang pagka-opisyales sa ilang barangay kinahanglan should be put into their heart. Labi na sa anti-drug program,” he said, adding that CPADAC has been conducting programs to educate barangay officials on their role in the pursuit against illegal drugs.  (FREEMAN)