Cebu City police arrest 88 in One Time, Big Time operation

POLICEMEN arrested 88 persons for different offenses in another One Time, Big Time operation throughout Cebu City on Monday.

Among those arrested were 11 minors — six of whom were caught in possession of small packs of shabu and different drug paraphernalia in Barangay Pahina Central, while the rest were allegedly involved various theft incidents in Barangay Mabolo.

A total of 47 persons were arrested for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; 29 for disobeying Presidential Decree 1602, which penalizes persons involved in illegal gambling; while four persons were caught for violation of Republic Act 9287, which penalizes individuals who engage in illegal numbers game.

Two others were caught for illegal possession of firearms, while the rest were arrested for Violence Against Women and Children, theft, carnapping, and estafa.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) also served two arrest warrants.

The authorities confiscated shabu estimated to be worth P1.9 million, six gambling machines, two unlicensed guns, 10 ampules of Nubain, and P1,012 cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal activities.

Senior Supt. Joel Doria, director of CCPO, said charges will be filed against the suspects, including the 11 minors who are currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We will file the cases, and it will be up to the prosecutor to determine whether these minors should be tried in court,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, “a child 15 years of age or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability.”

The child will undergo an intervention program by government agencies.

A child above 15 years but below 18 years of age shall likewise be exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless he or she has “acted with discernment.”

Social workers are tasked to determine whether or not a minor offender acted with discernment in allegedly committing the crime.

Doria said he deemed as “alarming” the number of minors who commit crimes.

He said CCPO has coordinated with the parents of the minors to remind them to take care of their children.

“As part of the diversion program, we will be conducting values formation and parenting enrichment seminars for six weeks. It will be culminated with a recollection and tour at the Operation Second Chance,” Doria said.