Westmincom: 'Zero tolerance' for drug use, trade in ranks

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military's Western Mindanao Command will be aggressive in ridding its ranks of drug users and sellers, the command stressed after one of its soldiers was arrested last Monday in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

 

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said any soldier found involved in drugs will be charged and swiftly booted out of the service.

 

Galvez gave the warning Tuesday when he visited the 1st Infantry Division in Labangan town.

 

Cpl Lehamber Baclay Acosta of the 1st Signal Battalion, Army Signal Regiment was arrested in a drug bust in one of the hotels at Purok Chico Hills, Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City with an unnamed female companion on Monday.

 

"We strongly support and adhere to the policy and campaign of the current administration against the proliferation of illegal drug trade in the country," Galvez said, stressing "the drug trade and drug addiction will not be tolerated among our ranks."

 

He said any personnel found to have links to drugs will be dealt with according to the law.

 

"If proven guilty, said personnel will be immediately charged and will be separated from the service. And as the highest military commander, it will be one of my priorities. Let this be a strong reminder to everyone," Galvez said.

 

A drug inspection across the Westmincom last year did not find any incidences of drug use or involvement in the drug trade.