AN EMPLOYEE of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Northern Mindanao was terminated after he was arrested for selling illegal drugs using a government vehicle in a drug bust in Agora, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Monday, July 9.
Arrested was 31 years old Martel Pamisa, resident of San Juan, Lapasan. Pamisa is a driver at the DSWD-Northern Mindanao.
Police seized a sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, known as shabu, from the suspect.
Chief Inspector Rey Gaudencio Taboclaon, police station 3 chief, said the suspect is considered a high-value target considering his present job as government worker.
He said a police operative who acted as poseur-buyer stood next to the suspect who did not get off from the car and consummated the drug bust.
Authorities said they have been monitoring the suspect for more than four months after he was linked by some drug suspects previously arrested.
DSWD-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Oliver Inodeo said the Pamisa was terminated immediately after the arrest on July 10.
He said the leadership of the DSWD-Northern Mindanao does not tolerate illegal activities of its employees.
Inodeo said Pamisa was hired in June 2017 under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) status, which is renewable after a year based on performance.
The suspect's major assignment was in Iligan City and Lanao areas during the DSWD's response efforts following the Marawi City siege.
Inodeo said the suspect tested negative during the drug testing conducted by the social welfare office.
Inodeo added that DSWD-Northern Mindanao is regularly conducting random drug test among its employees.