By CESAR JOLITO III
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) has elevated to the Office of the Ombudsman – Visayas a series of administrative and criminal complaints against three government officials and a public school teacher arrested in separate anti-drug operations this year — marking one of the region’s strongest moves yet to tighten accountability among public servants.
The cases were formally filed on December 4, following months of surveillance, coordinated operations and evidence buildup by PDEA teams across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
PDEA-NIR said the filing underscores the agency’s intensified campaign, not only against the illegal drug trade but also against corruption and the abuse of public office.
The most recent case involves the 49-year-old chairman of Barangay Looc in Dumaguete City, known by the alias “Inah,” who was arrested during a buy-bust operation after allegedly being caught in the act of engaging in illegal drug activities on September 25.
Two sitting barangay kagawads from different provinces were also charged:
* Alias “Pam,” 31 years old, a councilor in Siquijor, was arrested along with his mother-in-law in an operation that yielded an estimated P68,000 worth of suspected shabu on August 6.
* Another barangay councilor from Barangay Gargato in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, faces similar charges stemming from a separate anti-drug operation.
Rounding out the list of respondents is alias “Joeffel,” 42 years old, a public school teacher from Binalbagan who was arrested on August 31.
All four individuals were charged with violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Stronger push for accountability
PDEA-NIR said the cases were filed based on “substantial evidence” gathered in the course of their operations and subsequent investigations.
In a statement, the agency stressed that the move is intended to reinforce public trust by ensuring that those who occupy government positions — regardless of rank — are held answerable for involvement in illegal drugs.
“No public servant is above the law. This action serves as a strong warning to all government personnel that any involvement in illegal drug activities will never be tolerated,” PDEA-NIR said./CJ, WDJ