Minor shot in drug ops, two others facing raps

Criminal charges have been filed against the 15year-old boy who allegedly tried to shoot it out with policemen during an operation in Barangay Guadalupe last week and during which the boy was shot in the back.

The two drug suspects arrested at that time have also been charged, said Chief Insp. Christopher Lucas Navida, chief of the intelligence branch of the Cebu City Police Office.

Navida said the minor is facing charges for illegal gambling, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted suicide. He was allegedly caught playing “tong-its” and allegedly tried to shoot it out with authorities using a caliber .45 pistol. He also allegedly dropped packs of suspected shabu during a chase with policemen.

Navida said earlier: "Inangat ng bata ang baril niya. The point na meron siyang hawak na baril, threat na 'yon."

He also said earlier they will look into how the minor was able to get hold of a gun, but said a person involved in illegal drug trade would have the means to buy a gun.

The minor is still recovering in the hospital.

The two arrested, Girlie Peñas, 38, and Dexter Verano, 21, are facing drugs charges. Police allegedly seized seven small packs of suspected shabu from Peñas and two small packs of suspected shabu from Verano.

Meanwhile, the family of the minor has sought the help of the Commission on Human Rights over the supposed false allegations of the policemen.

Yet Navida said, “We are open to counteraffidavits coming from the family we have na man our investigations to prove in court.”

He said they have received formal communication from CHR for CIB to turn over results of its investigation.

Navida said they have asked for an extension in submitting their report since they could not get hold of the footage from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera at the area.

“Two times na nagrequest pero ang reply nung owner, since August hindi na nagpa-function ang CCTV… ipa follow-up kasi malaki ang maitutulong ng CCTV,” Navida said.