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.
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