Cops nab 16 foreigners on drinking binge, alleged ‘shabu’ session in Makati bar

Makati City policemen arrest 16 foreigners who were caught in a drinking session without social distancing – in violation of quarantine protocols, and allegedly using “shabu” inside a Makati bar on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Photo from Makati police

MANILA, Philippines — Policemen have arrested 16 foreigners who were caught in a drinking session without social distancing – in violation of quarantine protocols, and allegedly using “shabu” or crystal meth inside a bar in Makati.

City Police Investigation chief Major Gideon Ines Jr. on Thursday identified the suspects as Cedric Fowetfeih Nhengafac, 30; Ndipagbor Rayuk, 39; Christian Menkami Youmbi, 35; Ashu Cederick, 34; Nintedem Feudjio Bertrand, 30; Mekoulou Christelle Clemence, 30; Bernadette Bareja, 34; Vitalys Ninjiwa, 43; Jacques Mboum Mbitock, 33; Hyacinthe Gabre, 38; and Ngami William, 29. All are Cameroonians, according to the police.

Also arrested on Wednesday afternoon were Joseph Emmanuel Faure, 26, a Seychelles national; Cristina Nkengasong Ngunyi, 25, and Ezeugwu Osita Linus, 36, both Nigerians; Harry Teenesee, 45, a Liberian; and Saikou Omar Kujabi, 34, a Gambia national.

The raid conducted by members of the Makati Central Police Station, Special Weapons and Tactics and Tactical Motorcycle Riders Unit at D’Evolution Bar located along Mariano Street in Brgy. Poblacion stemmed from “numerous complaints from concerned citizens” that social gatherings have been taking place in the establishment, the police report noted.

Social gathering is prohibited in areas under general community quarantine. Various types of community quarantine have been imposed by the national government in different areas nationwide to avert the spread of COVID-19.

According to Ines, police officers caught 10 foreigners inside the bar drinking beer and allegedly using shabu while the six others were apprehended outside the establishment.

Police said operatives also recovered from the scene several beer bottles, a stainless bucket, and a sachet supposedly containing shabu.

Ines added that they also issued city ordinance citation tickets against the suspects for violation of the general community quarantine guidelines of Makati City.

The suspects are now under the custody of the Makati police station. They will be charged for violating the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Concern Act and Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Ines said they are probing the suspects’ passports to verify the foreigners’ immigration status. (Jim Mendoza, Trainee)

[kga]