Penalize chief, DDB asks DILG

DANGEROUS Drugs Board Undersecretary Clarence Paul Oaminal is threatening to file charges against Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7 Director Pedro Noval.

He accused Noval of failing to act on the case of a barangay captain who has been caught twice for violations related to illegal drugs.

Oaminal told reporters Friday that Noval did not even reply to his letter inquiring what sanctions should be imposed on Antipolo, Medellin Barangay Captain Marianito Yaon.

Yaon was first arrested in Consolacion last October, after he was caught allegedly using shabu inside his vehicle. He posted bail.

Police in Medellin launched a raid against him two weeks ago and seized two packets of shabu, a hand grenade and a .357 revolver. However, Yaon reportedly escaped when the operatives were not looking.

Oaminal told reporters that the first time Yaon was arrested, it was enough basis to have him suspended from his duties.

When he communicated to Noval, he did not receive a letter of reply, which is expected among government agencies within 15 days from receipt, the lawyer said.

Noval, in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu yesterday, said he hopes to clarify the matter with Oaminal this week. He confirmed receiving a letter from Oaminal and said he sent a reply.

Noval also said the DILG 7 has cooperated with the DDB, and even asked the local government of Medellin to formally charge Yaon for his alleged offenses.

Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, said Noval, has been urged by the Municipal Council to file charges against Yaon at the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Oaminal said he will bring this matter up with DILG officials in Manila. In the meantime, he is studying the possibility of filing an administrative complaint against Noval before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Meanwhile, Medellin Police Chief Bonifacio Arriesgado and his officers are facing an investigation after Yaon managed to slip past them even after they had placed him under arrest.

Probe

After the raid, Yaon reportedly refused to go with the raiding team to the police station, opting to wait for his lawyer. Also, his relatives began arriving in droves while barangay officials and tanods surrounded his house, refusing to let police officers take Yaon with them.

When his lawyer arrived, they searched for Yaon but he was no longer in the house.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Lani-o Nerez said that in most police operations, operatives have to surround the subject’s house and block all exits.

The circumstances leading to the escape are being investigated by the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch.

For his part, Noval explained that since the matter is at the barangay level, the Municipal Council will serve as the disciplinary committee.

Section 28 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act provides for the maximum penalties if those convicted of illegal drug-related offenses are government employees or officials. The law states they should also be permanently disqualified from holding public office.

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