THE live-in partner and son of a suspected drug pusher who was killed in a buy-bust operation in Minglanilla have been charged.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives were filed against Evangeline Briones before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, said Chief Insp. Verniño Noserale, Minglanilla acting police chief.

Briones is the live-in partner of Jovilio Franza, a suspected drug pusher and gun-for-hire killed in a buy-bust in Barangay Tulay last Monday.

Also charged is Franza’s son, John Niño, for assisting his father for selling illegal drugs just before the buy-bust.

Noserale said they can no longer pursue Franza’s live-in partner and son as the prescribed period for hot pursuit operations had already lapsed.

But Noserale said they can arrest Briones and Franza’s son once a warrant of arrest is issued by the proper court.

Meanwhile, Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña and fellow town officials visited the wake of the late PO2 Evie Espina to pay respects.

Peña also turned over the posthumous award and the P30,000 cash assistance to Espina’s family.

Peña told reporters that the financial assistance provided to the town will help in shouldering Espina’s burial expenses.

Marilyn, Espina’s wife, thanked Peña and local officials for their assistance.

She, however, has yet to figure how she can raise her six children without Espina by her side.

Espina, who was assigned in Minglanilla’s Drug Enforcement Unit, was killed when Franza attempted to fight off policemen who were trying to arrest him.

Espina will be laid to rest tomorrow. (JKV)