A TAXI driver who also works as an anchorman of a radio station run by the Catholic church in Cagayan de Oro City was arrested by the police over the weekend for allegedly selling illegal drugs.
Lodymer Jagos alias Lantoy, 29, a resident of Zone 2, Barangay Tagpangi, is a “volunteer” reporter/anchorman of Marian Radio.
Marian Radio is an affiliate of broadcast network Bandera Philippines.
Police arrested Jagos in a drug bust in Zayas, Carmen Sunday night, March 25. He allegedly yielded some seven sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, known as shabu, worth nearly P4,000.
Police also confiscated the taxi unit driven by the suspect.
Chief Inspector Rey Taboclaon, Police Station 8 chief, said they have long been monitoring the suspect.
He said based on their information, the radio personality has been selling the prohibited drugs in uptown villages and downtown communities of the city.
Jagos will be charged with violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
Tito Monterde, chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas-Cagayan de Oro Chapter (KBP-CDO), said the radio station is a member of the KBP.
Jagos, however, is not accredited by the organization.
Monterde said the KBP-CDO initially found out that Jagos is working as a taxi driver and is only connected with the station in a “voluntary” capacity.
Monterde emphasized that the KBP does not allow non-accredited radio personalities.
"They should take the accreditation exam before they can talk on air," Monterde said.
He said the KBP may ban Jagos from going on air due to the supposed violations of the drug law.
The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) has likewise issued a statement on Jagos’ arrest.
"The COPC condemns any illegal act perpetrated by members of the press. As purveyors of truth, justice and peace, we the media community of Cagayan de Oro strictly adhere to what is right and just in the exercise of our profession as members of the press,"the COPC statement said.