WestMinCom Chief: “We are zero tolerance on any drug cases”

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 24, 2018 ) - In his speech during a visit at the Tabak Division Headquarters in Kuta Major Cesar L Sang-an in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday (January 23), Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command vowed that he will not and never tolerate personnel who will be found involved in illegal drugs.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay said that the statement was made following the apprehension of a soldier of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division by operatives of the Pagadian City Police Station and Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy bust operation at dawn last Monday.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that Corporal Lehamber Baclay Acosta, a member of the Philippine army and assigned at the 1st Signal Battalion Army Signal Regiment was inside a room in one of the hotels at Purok Chico Hills, Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City with an unnamed female companion, when operatives stormed inside the room and were able to recover drugs and paraphernalia. Recovered from the possession of the suspect were one (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu”, three (3) pieces folded aluminum foils and two (2) pieces five hundred peso bills marked money.

 “We are saddened that despite our constant reminders, there are still soldiers who are into illegal drugs,” said Major General Roseller G Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan. “We will be more aggressive in finding out scalawags among our ranks and we will definitely be harsh on them.”

Suspect is now temporary detained at Pagadian City Police Station while a case for violation of R.A 9165 was being prepared for filing in court against the suspect, Cpt. Petinglay added.

 “We strongly support and adhere to the policy and campaign of the current administration against the proliferation of illegal drug trade in the country,” said LtGen Galvez.

“The Western Mindanao Command takes steps to replicate this campaign and to ensure that drug trade and drug addiction will not be tolerated among our ranks. Any drugs cases involving our personnel will be dealt with in accordance with the law. If proven guilty, said personnel will be immediately charged and will be separated from the service.”

“As the highest military commander, it will be one of my priorities. Let this is be a strong reminder to everyone.”