Lanao del Sur town cop chief relieved over illegal drugs

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — The chief of police of Marantao town in Lanao del Sur has been relieved from his post following the arrest of three of his men over their alleged involvement in illegal drugs. 

Capt. Sainodin Benasing will be investigated, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa.

Benasing’s men were arrested for alleged possession of 50 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P340,000 during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Nituan in Parang, Maguindanao last week. 

Gamboa said he ordered summary dismissal proceedings against Pat. Sandiali Manalao, S/Sgt. Fahmi Como, and M/Sgt. Monjel Aradais.

Personnel of the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted the operation after residents reported the drug trafficking activities of the police officers.

“I would like to emphasize that the PNP internal cleansing program that we are implementing will be swift, decisive and uncompromising especially against personnel involved in illegal drugs,” Gamboa said.