Recidivist caught with shabu at Maguindanao checkpoint


PARANG, MAGUINDANAO – Policemen have arrested here a former illegal drug trade offender who was caught anew for shabu possession following an inspection at a checkpoint Sunday afternoon, October 31.

Esmael Guiamel Kamsa, 32, of Barangay Nituan, Parang, Maguindanao, did not resist when policemen from the municipal police office, led by Maj. Dan Junson Espinoza, arrested him.

Police officers manning the Duran detachment in Barangay Sarmiento became suspicious of Kamsa when he became visibly uneasy.

CAUGHT ANEW. Photo shows the mugshot of recidivist Esmael Guiamel Kamsa who was caught for shabu possession Sunday (Oct. 31, 2021) at a checkpoint in Parang, Maguindanao. The suspect had been ordered released by a local court some two months ago for the same offense through a plea order agreement. (Photo courtesy of Parang MPS/Manila Bulletin)

Recovered from him was a sachet of shabu of still unspecified amount, drug paraphernalia, and mobile phone.

“Police informed Kamsa of his constitutional rights (Miranda doctrine) in Iranun dialect. Police also informed him of the nature of his arrest and he opted to remain silent in the absence of his chosen legal counsel,” Espinoza said in his report to the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Espinoza said Kamsa, now detained at the Parang police station, was charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Around two months ago, the Maguindanao Provincial Jail released him due to a plea bargaining order issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Cotabato City over a similar offense.