By CESAR JOLITO III

A regular ambulance driver of the Cadiz City government was arrested in an anti-drug operation in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport along with his girlfriend on Sunday night, August 10, prompting his immediate suspension from work.

The suspect was identified as 50-year-old “Riche,” a resident of Purok Kapispisan in the city’s Barangay Daga.

“Riche” was arrested with his 27-year-old girlfriend, identified as “Evon” or “Tats,” a home-based call center agent from Narra 4 in Cadiz City’s Barangay Tinampa-an, who is based in Bacolod.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. clarified that “Riche” was not tagged as a drug dealer but was reportedly driving the pickup truck used by “Evon,” a police-identified high-value target currently on probation for illegal drug charges.

Police operatives had been monitoring the suspects after receiving intelligence reports about their alleged drug activities.

Escalante assured that if proven guilty, “Riche” would be dismissed from government service.

“Ginpasiguro ko nga gilayon siya iga-dismiss kun mapamatud-an nga imbolbado sa illegal drugs,” the mayor said.

Escalante also revealed that before the May 2025 elections, the city government conducted a random drug test in which 21 to 22 employees — mostly casual and job order workers, including some drivers — tested positive.

Riche, however, did not undergo testing at the time, reportedly because he was on duty./CJ, WDJ