Cop caught in drug bust tests negative for drugs, but…

CEBU, Philippines – The policeman who was caught in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City tested negative in a drug test, but this won't have any effect on the charges he is facing, said Police Regional Office-7 director Noli Taliño.

Although Police Officer 1 Gem Querubin tested negative for drug use, he will still face the string of administrative charges, said Taliño.

"Ang drug test nagpapatunay na siya ay gumagamit. It's another charge sana kung nag-positive," said Taliño.

Cebu City Police Office has lodged administrative complaints of conduct unbecoming a police officer and abandonment of post against Querubin, who is assigned at Mambaling Police Station.

The suspect was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Pailob in Barangay Sambag on Oct. 22.

The 33-year-old policeman was found by his colleagues inside the house of the subject of the buy-bust operation, one Sharon Abella, 32, allegedly a new drug personality.

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

Police seized during the operation 50 grams of suspected shabu valued at P593,776, and P2, 500 cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal drug trade. A small sachet of shabu was seized from Querubin's possession.

Taliño said there is a possibility that Querubin is a drug protector.

"Possible na talagang protector lang siya, kasi noong nagkaroon ng operation nandoon siya," he said.

Aside from Abella and Querubin, their alleged cohort, Chas Elmond Chavit, 23, was also arrested.

Aside from the administrative complaints, Querubin will also face criminal complaints for possession of illegal drugs prohibited under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). —/NSA (FREEMAN)