The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PDEA RO-NIR) formally filed cases before the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas on Thursday, December 4.
The cases involve four government officials — three local elected officials and one public school teacher — who were arrested in separate anti-drug operations across the Negros Island Region, a PDEA press release said.
The respondents were not named.
The filing stems from a series of intensive and coordinated operations conducted by PDEA RO-NIR, which resulted in the arrest of the four for violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Substantial evidence gathered during the operations and subsequent investigations provided the basis for filing the appropriate charges, the press release said.
PDEA RO-NIR emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the Agency’s steadfast resolve in ensuring accountability in public service.
“No public servant is above the law,” PDEA RO-NIR stated. “This action serves as a strong warning to all government personnel that any involvement in illegal drug activities will never be tolerated.”
PDEA RO-NIR Director Melvin Estoque said “we will continue to protect our communities and ensure that all who violate the law face the necessary consequences, regardless of rank or position”.
PDEA RO-NIR will remain relentless in its anti-drug efforts and will continue to work closely with partner agencies and local communities to uphold a drug-free Negros Island Region, he said.*
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