• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office-Negros Island (PDEA RO-NIR) has formally filed cases against three barangay officials and a public school teacher before the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas.
The charges against the suspects, who were arrested in separate anti-drug operations across the Negros Island Region, were lodged with the Ombudsman on December 3.
PDEA filed charges against the incumbent Chairman of Barangay Looc in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, alias ‘Inah,’ 49-years-old, who was caught in the act of engaging with illegal drugs on September 25, 2025.
Meanwhile, two incumbent kagawads – one in Siquijor and the other in Barangay Gargato in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental – will also face charges before the Ombudsman. Alias ‘Pam,’ 31, was arrested with his mother-in-law, with P68,000 worth of suspected shabu on August 6, 2025.
The other suspect, alias ‘Joeffel,’ a 42-year-old public school teacher, was nabbed on August 31, 2025, in Binalbagan during an anti-drug operation.
The filing stems from a series of intensive and coordinated operations conducted by PDEA RO-NIR, which resulted in the arrest of these individuals for violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Substantial evidence gathered during these operations and subsequent investigations provided the basis for filing the appropriate charges.
PDEA RO-NIR emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the agency’s steadfast resolve to ensure accountability in public service.
“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 RO-NIR stated in a post.
PDEA RO-NIR assured the public that it will remain relentless in its anti-drug efforts and will continue working closely with partner agencies and local communities to uphold a drug-free Negros Island Region.*
