MANILA< Philippines — Actor Cogie Domingo was arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 4 in BF Homes in Parañaque City early Friday for allegedly buying illegal drugs.
In a News5 report by Patricia Mangune, Director Derrick Carreon of the Public Information Office of PDEA Region 4 told media their operatives were conducting a buy bust operation against a drug dealer identified as Almira Bautista when they caught the 32-year-old actor transacting with their target.
Domingo was taken into custody of the PDEA along with his alleged supplier, Bautista and his partner, Francis Lim. All three who denied involvement in illegal drugs were presented to media following their arrest and are detained in PDEA Region 4A headquarters in Calamba, Laguna.
Found in the actor’s car were drug paraphernalia and three sachets of substance suspected as methamphetamine or shabu.
“If you will notice, these are not just run-of-the-mill paraphernalia that you’ll see in ordinary drug dens or in the streets,” Carreon noted.
The actor is facing charges of possession and use of illegal drugs in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Cogie’s father, human rights lawyer Rod Domingo, will represent him in the case.
“I support my son. I know he doesn’t use or sell drugs. He is not in any way related to drugs,” the elder Domingo said in mostly Filipino during his son’s presentation to media.
Cogie believed he was “set up” and denied that the evidence found in his car belongs to him. He admitted that he “tried” using illegal drugs but that was “a long time ago.”
Domingo was a promising actor during his teens. He starred in several shows in ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5, and even played the lead role in Joel Lamangan’s acclaimed crime drama, “Deathrow.” His other notable films include “Muli,” “Anghel sa Lupa,” and “Mater Dolorosa.” He was recently in the cast of the GMA teleserye, “Someone to Watch Over Me” that aired late last year.
Watch this News5 report by Patricia Mangune.
