Pubdate: Sat, 08 Apr 2000 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila Fax: 527-7534 Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp Author: Rey G. Panaligan DRUG CHARGES FILED AGAINST ASISTIO SON A non-bailable charge of drug trafficking and two other criminal cases were filed in court by the Department of Justice (DoJ) yesterday against Luis ''Piting'' Asistio III, son of Caloocan City Rep. Luis ''Baby'' Asistio. The two other criminal charges against the young Asistio were for illegal possession of firearm and direct assault upon a person in authority. Asistio's drug trafficking case carries with it a maximum penalty of death. The filing of the charges with the Caloocan City regional trial court (RTC) was approved byA ssistant Chief State Prosecutor Leonardo Guiyab Jr on recommendation made by State Prosecutor II Richard Anthony D. Daullon. The young Asistio was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation conducted last April 5 by the elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Team and the Northern Police District. His companions, Ricardo S. Garcia and Ronel P. Rivera were also charged with drugs trafficking. Rivera has another case for possession of one stick of marijuana. The charges against Asistio's live-in partner, Rosario Ortega, were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. Seized froMA sistio and his two companions were 206.15 grams of "shabu" during the buy-bust operation at the Quintang Alley, Dagat-dagatan, caloocan City. Also seized from Asistio was a .45 caliber pistol which was found to be registered in the name of another person. The direct assault case was filed against Asistio when, in the course of the buy-bust operation, he drew his .45 caliber pistol. Asistio, however, was shot on the left side of his chest. His live-in partner, Ortega, was hit by a stray bullet on the left side of her body. They were bought to separate hospitals. State Prosecutor Fadullon said that only Garcia and Rivera were presented during the inquest proceedings. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D