THE son of Tagbilaran City’s city administrator was arrested in a joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bohol and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 for allegedly having suspected ecstasy tablets in his possession during a drug bust on Saturday, Aug. 10.

NBI Bohol Director Renan Oliva identified the arrested person as Eric John Borja, 26, who was collared by PDEA 7 and NBI 7 agents inside the Crescent Ville Hotel on Gallares St. in Tagbilaran City.

“We had been on his trail for about two months after we received reports of someone selling ecstasy to teens. Most of his targets are women and because of the many tourists in the emerging party scene in Panglao, we are also on the lookout for party drugs,” Oliva said.

Seized from Borja were seven tablets of assorted suspected ecstasy worth around P11,900, the buy-bust money and an iPhone.

Agents managed to buy two tablets from Borja and discovered the other five tablets in his possession during the arrest.

Oliva said Borja’s regular price for the tablets is reportedly P3,000 to P5,000 but he sells them for a lower price, at P1,500 each, if the buyer is a woman.

His customers are usually his age.

The NBI Bohol director said the tablets were sourced from Cebu.

“There are text messages in his phone that point to Cebu as his source,” Oliva said.

Borja reportedly denied the allegations against him.

In a text message to SunStar Cebu, his father, Tagbilaran City Administrator Edi Borja, said they were shocked by what happened.

“We are still in a state of shock right now. All I can say is that my son is a very good and obedient son. He is just a victim of circumstance,” he said.

Oliva said Borja is also a casual employee at City Hall.

A case for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which are non-bailable, will be filed against the suspect. (JOB)