Ex-cop nabbed for drugs

CEBU, Philippines —  A former policeman was arrested in a hotel in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City yesterday noon for allegedly possessing shabu.

He was identified as former Police Officer 1 Arthur Rebecca, 34, a native of Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, but presently residing in Barangay Bali-Bali, Compostela town in northern Cebu.

Recovered from Rebecca’s position were one sachet of shabu weighing 0.8 grams worth P5,440, and drug paraphernalia, such as two disposable lighters and five aluminum foil strips.

Also confiscated from Rebecca were his expired Philippine National Police identification card, driver’s license, a laptop, two phones and assorted pawnshop receipts.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gifter Sucalit, City Intelligence Unit chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO), said Rebecca introduced himself to hotel staff as a police frontliner to be able to check in.

Hotels are prohibited from accepting guests as the city is still placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine  (ECQ) due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Sucalit said the suspect was “high on drugs.”

“Kaso nga lang ang iyang actions suspicious kaayo...Ang akong personal assessment niya, ga tama gyud. Even siya ni admit siya nga gagamit (illegal drugs) three days na," Sucalit said.

Hotel staff reported him to cops because of his “suspicious actions.”

Rebecca, who is currently detained at Lapu-Lapu Police Station, will face charges for possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, and usurpation of authority.

Prior to his arrest in Lapu-Lapu, he was also arrested in Compostela town for illegal cockfighting.

Rebecca was detailed at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) when he reportedly went absent without official leave.

Investigation revealed that Rebecca was dismissed service on February 27 this year after he was accused of rape.

“He was accused of rape, but the case was dismissed. He was also accused of bribing his superior. He was later dismissed from post through an administrative proceeding,” said Sucalit.  KQD (FREEMAN)