Cuadra guilty of drug charge, ordered to suffer life imprisonment
Western Visayas' most celebrated drug personality was found guilty of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Within minutes of his conviction Tuesday, July 25, in a Kalibo Court in the Province of Aklan, he was led straight to the airport and remitted to the National Bilibid Penitentiary in Muntinlupa.
As such, Jose Kim "Boy" Cuadra became the latest addition to the roster of convicted criminals inside the country's major penal colony. Considered a high-risk inmate, Cuadra is expected to serve his life sentence under maximum security.
In a report, The News Today (TNT) gathered that Cuadra's promulgation saw Kalibo's top cops in a courtroom secured by armed personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Authorities in civilian clothing also littered at the start of the proceedings with Cuadra described to be in a somber mood as the decision was read.
Cuadra was with his wife, son Gerald and counsel Atty. Edgar Peralta when the verdict was read to him inside the sala of Judge Niobody Marin of Aklan Regional Trial Court Branch I. It was not yet known if Cuadra's lawyer will appeal the decision of the lower court.
Immediately after the dispositive portion was read, Cuadra who was once dreaded and feared as "drug lord" was led by an army of armed government agents. One top cop whispered to him his destination which was to be the local airport for his trip to Metro Manila and ultimately to Muntinlupa.
Local reporters present were not privy to the trip yet joined the ‘caravan' that led them to the airport. Minutes prior to the departure, Cuadra was allowed a brief moment with his family. He left without a single personal belonging.
Cuadra, under heavy guard, was flown to Manila via PAL flight 322 which left Kalibo airport 11:15 am.
Senior Inspector Arevalo who accompanied and sat right next to the drug convict in the entire flight told Bombo Radyo that Cuadra was silent all throughout the travel. He would appear to be almost in tears in between his solitary moments though not a single word was uttered to his security escorts.
Upon arrival at the Manila domestic airport, more armed government agents met the group where yet another uneventful trip to his final destination followed. Cuadra then spent some two hours at the Muntinlupa Penitentiary "reception" area and underwent regular process for his admission such as medical check up.
Cuadra, along with two others, was arrested in a drug bust in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan on April 21, 2003. Police seized 11.5 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, from Cuadra's possession. However, Cuadra's companions Raymundo Morales and a certain Mendoza were absolved of the case.
Even behind bars, he remained controversial particularly in last year's Ati-Atihan shooting that killed two of Aklan's top cops and five others. Some 22 were also wounded including members of the elite Scout Rangers and reporters covering the festival. PO1 Jonathan Moreño then opened fire and aimed his armalite rifle to Aklan Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Odelardo Magallanes and Kalibo Police Chief Manuel Elijay.
Cuadra was dragged into the ensuing investigation and news coverages with the festival assailant, PO1 Moreño known to be the principal witness in the government's drug case against him.
Cuadra has since denied any involvement nor contact with Moreño even as he expressed disgust over the charges.
Talks spread of the stress PO1 Moreño supposedly was under that caused him to go amuck. It was alleged that Cuadra or his associates were threatening PO1 Moreño and "ordered" him to back off in the drug case.
Cuadra, who is from Bacolod City, is considered by police as big time drug lord not only in Western Visayas. He was once named by whistle blower Remus Garganera as big time drug lord in a Senate investigation on Senator Panfilo Lacson's alleged drug links.
Meanwhile, Supt. Pedro Merced, chief of police of Bacolod described the court decision as "wonderful news" relative to the government's illegal drugs drive.
Merced said the court decision will add enthusiasm to law enforcers who run after the illegal drug peddlers. And this, he said, will give a lesson to those who remain in the illegal drug trade.
(With reports from Maricar Calubiran)