Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — Supt. Lito Cabamongan, the policeman caught in a drug session in Las Piñas City, has been freed on bail, police said Saturday.
A judge from the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court ordered Cabamongan’s release on Friday, Southern Police District Director Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr., said in a statement on Saturday.
Cabamongan paid a bail amounting to P240,000, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said. Carlos added Cabamongan is now at the holding office of the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame.
Cabamongan was initially charged with violations of sections 13, 14, and 15 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Section 13 refers to the possession of dangerous drugs during parties and meetings, Section 14 refers to the possession of drug paraphernalia and equipment, and Section 15 refers to the use of dangerous drugs.
“However, the cases filed were downgraded by the court to Section 14 and Section 15, which are both bailable,” Apolinario said.
He added Cabamongan is still facing an administrative case.
Cabamongan, who was assigned at the PNP Crime Lab was arrested on March 30 after being caught using methamphetamine, or shabu, at a house in Las Piñas City. He was with a female companion.
Related: Police officer arrested for using illegal drugs
Authorities confiscated three pieces of rolled aluminum foil, two pieces of disposable lighters, and three empty sachets with residue of suspected methamphetamine or shabu.
Cabamongan later tested positive in a drug test carried out in Camp Crame.
Cabamongan insisted the incident was a set-up, saying he was there to gather pieces of evidence against another police officer who was selling recovered drug evidence.
But PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said Cabamongan is not authorized to conduct anti-drug operations.
CNN Philippines’ Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.
