Woman charged for “bribing” cop

CEBU, Philippines — A 24-year-old woman is now facing charges before the court for allegedly bribing two policemen to release three individuals they arrested for drugs.

Prosecutor Naruzen Lorete held Siegfredilyn Arroyo, a resident of 51-A Uldarico Aviola Street, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, for trial after finding probable cause for violation of Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code or corruption of public officials.

During inquest proceedings, Arroyo chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the accusations against her and decided to answer them in court. Lorete set her bail at P48,000.

In their affidavit, Police Officer 2 Nickson Miranda and Police Officer 1 Edgar delos Santos of the Parian Police Station said last July 11 around 5:25 p.m. they conducted a buy-bust operation against Stephanie Sabanal, alias “Phanie,” after they received report that she sold drugs in Sitio Lumar, Barangay C. Padilla, Cebu City.

The operation led to the arrest of Sabanal and her companions Cachila Portarcos and Macachor Querubin.

Miranda said after the suspects were arrested, Arroyo approached him and offered him P10,000 for the release of three. Miranda arrested Arroyo after he received the P10,000. — BRP (FREEMAN)