DRUG-PEDDLING SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HAULED TO JAIL

OPERATIVES of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a public school principal in a drug buy-bust operation in Surigao del Sur.

PDEA said arrested was a 45-year-old Principal III in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

The suspect was nabbed in an anti-drug operation conducted jointly by officers from the PDEA Regional Office 13 and the Tagbina Municipal Police Station past 10 p.m. last Friday.

Prior to the sting, the suspect was subjected to an extensive verification and surveillance by different drug law enforcement units to validate his reported involvement in illegal drug activities in his community.

During the sting, the suspect was caught selling illegal drugs to an undercover officer.

Recovered from the possession of the school principal were two  heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a gram of  suspected shabu worth P6,800 and the buy-bust money topped by a marked bill.

PDEA Regional Office 13 Director Laurefel Gabales emphasized the significance of the arrest of the suspect, noting that the involvement of an individual holding a key position in the education sector poses a serious threat to public trust and the moral guidance expected from educators, especially among the youth.

He said the development highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service.

“Positions of authority must never be used to undermine the law or endanger the community,”  said Cabales.

Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were filed against the arrested school official.