ARAYAT -- Mayor Emmanuel “Bon” Alejandrino of this town said Thursday, April 27, that he was saddened by the court ruling clearing his political rival, former Mayor Luisito “Chito” Espino, on the charges filed against them by authorities.
Alejandrino said that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Pampanga, which filed cases of illegal possession of firearms, explosives and prohibited drugs against Espino and his three companions, Cacutud village chairman Rosendo Dizon, along with Romy Mallari and Rosauro Dillera, had a strong case against the suspects based on the evidence that were confiscated from their possession.
“Kung ako ang tatanungin, parang hindi tama iyon. Fifty grams ng droga ang nakuha sa kanya pero nakalaya. ‘Yung iba sachet-sachet lang pero hanggang ngayon nakakulong,” he said.
Based on the report of CIDG-Pampanga, 19 sachets or 50 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu amounting to P450,000, an M16 rifle, three caliber. 45, 9mm Beretta, three hand grenades and two rifle grenades were seized from the suspects' possession.
The said charges filed against the suspects were cleared recently in a resolution made by the court due to alleged insufficiency of evidence.
“Kung malalaking gramo ng droga nahuhuli pero nakakawala rin, huwag na siguro natin ipagpatuloy ang fight against illegal drugs,” he added.
Alejandrino, a former leftist group leader, is also known as a strong supporter of the campaign against illegal drugs since it was launched in July 1, 2016.
Alejandrino and Espino faced each other during their one-on-one battle for the mayoral post on the past 2016 national and local elections.
