By: Francis T. Wakefield
Eight persons, including an Army second lieutenant, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Friday.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson identified the Army officer as 2nd Lt. Arthur Rey Barredo Aranggo. Another suspect was identified as Geoff Augustus Silabay, alias “Popoy.”
Aranggo was arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at 1st Avenue Inn on Propia St., Barangay Sumpong.
Seized from the suspects were more or less 20 grams of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.
Tiongson said if evidence warrants and if indeed Aranggo is linked to the illegal drugs trade, he will be referred to either the military court martial or the Army’s Efficiency and Separation Board.
“He is now being investigated over his possible involvement into illegal drugs operation. This is without prejudice to the possible criminal cases that will be filed against him,” Tiongson said.
“The Army will not tolerate any of its personnel involved in illegal drugs operation,” he added.
Tiongson said Aranggo is attached to the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group of the Philippine Army and is on academic break after finishing the basic officer leaders course. He graduated last December 2016.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año had earlier directed all AFP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel to strictly follow the newly-approved drug-free workplace policy effective in all military camps and facilities nationwide.