A REGULAR worker of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol is set to be fired after anti-narcotics operatives caught him using illegal drugs while on duty inside his quarter in Antonio Luna Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Thursday night, April 19.
Arrested was Edgardo Cajardo, 48, a resident of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, and a park watchman and regular employee of the Provincial Government.
Cajardo has been with the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) for five years.
The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has received a tip that the suspect was using illegal drugs inside his room.
Operatives said the suspect has a male companion who escaped before the authorities arrived.
Seized from Cajardo was a sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth almost P2,500 and drug paraphernalia.
CDEU chief Senior Inspector Maricris Mulat said the suspect, categorized as high value target, tested positive for illegal drug use.
Mulat said the suspect will face drug charges particularly using and possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect, who is now detained, may post P250,000 bail.
Governor Yevgeny Emano said Cajardo will possibly be booted from government service with all his benefits forfeited.
"Sayod ang tanan nga masuko gyod ko niining gakalambigit sa druga, wala ako nagkulang sa pahimangno ug gani gapaningkamot ako og maayo nga makakita og paagi nga masuportahan ang atong kapolisan aron mawagtang na kining problema sa druga apan anaa gihapon kining gatulibagbag (Everyone knows that I hate employees who engage in illegal drug activities. I've been reminding everyone to stay away from illegal activities but there remains erring workers)," Emano said.
Emano said the arrest of Cajardo should serve as a stern warning that he will not tolerate employees who engage in illegal drug activities.