Convicted druggies can still appeal court’s decision

FORMER Misamis Oriental provincial board member lawyer Michael Roa, his brother Porferio Jr., and nephew John Rey can still appeal the court’s decision convicting them of drug charges before the Court of Appeals (CA), Regional State Prosecutor Merlyn Uy said Thursday, July 11.

Brothers Porferio and Michael were found guilty for violating section 11 (possession) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) while John Rey was found guilty for violating section 15 (use).

Both Michael and Porferio were sentenced to suffer life imprisonment and will have to pay a fine of P40,000 each, while John Rey was sentenced to undergo rehabilitation for a minimum of six months in a government center.

The 17-page ruling was signed on July 5 by Regional Trial Court, Branch 21 presiding judge Gil Bollozos.

Uy said they welcome the recent decision of judge Bollozos.

“This victory merely strengthens our resolve to effectively prosecute those who continue to violate our laws and disregard the pernicious evils brought about by illegal drugs,” Uy said.

“I commend our trial prosecutor, Ethelinda Bacal, who successfully prosecuted these cases and obtained a conviction against all accused,” she added.

The brothers, who are currently detained at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ), will likely be transferred to the Davao Penal Colony.

MOPJ warden Dominador Tagarda said they will just wait for the commitment order from the court for the transfer of the two detainees within 15 days.

“Lantawon sad nato kung duna pay lain nga mga sentensyado sa Misamis Oriental nga madala sa Dapecol para mausa nato og hatod para makaminus sa budget,” he added.

Tagarda said the two convicted detainees have been abiding with the rules and regulations inside the detention facility.

“Mapaubsanon mani sila diri ug mga law-abiding,” he said.

The convicted drug suspects are relatives of former Balingasag town mayor Marietta Roa-Abogado. They were arrested in a raid of their ancestral house in Barangay 5, Balingasag last November 10, 2016, after they yielded around 40 grams of suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

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