By LITO RULONA
Correspondent
A POLICEMAN and two other drug suspects who were caught in a buy-and-bust operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were ordered freed because no case was filed against them.
The City Prosecutor’s Office issued the order after PDEA failed to immediately file a complaint against PO2 Nickarter Noay, 32; Rendon Sarita, 21; and Charlie Racaza, 35.
The suspects, all from Libona, Bukidnon, were were arrested during a PDEA operation in Barangay Kauswagan, this city.
The suspects, according to the PDEA, yielded some 30 grams of suspected shabu in two heat-sealed sachets, drug paraphernalia, and a 9mm pistol with 15 bullets.
Based on the rules, a custodial detention of any crime suspect cannot exceed 36 hours.
PDEA-10 spokesperson Rose Marimao told local radio that there was a delay in the filing of a complaint against Noay and his companions. The reason for the delay was unclear although she hinted that it had something to do with conflicting schedules and the lack of personnel.
The suspects were arrested in Dec. 9 but the complaint was only filed in Dec. 11.
Marimao also confirmed that the suspects have already been released by the PDEA.
But she said the PDEA would pursue its case against the suspects.
“In fairness sa among mga operatives, this was the first time nga nalangan ang pag-file sa kaso. Kahibalo mi nga dunay limitation sa oras sa pag-file sa kaso pero nagkulang gyud. Mangayo lang kami og pasaylo,” Marimao said.
Marimao said PDEA regional director Wilkins Villanueva has ordered the apprehending officer to submit a statement, and explain why the filing of the complaint was delayed.
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