Coast Guard suspends 2 personnel nabbed in separate drug busts

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed Friday, April 24, that two of its personnel were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Cebu City and Davao City this week, with both now under preventive suspension.

Apprentice Seaman Neil Vincent Panugaling, assigned to the Coast Guard Fleet, was caught in a buy-bust operation at Sitio Puntod, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on April 22.

The raid led to the dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of five individuals. Authorities seized suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

A day later, Petty Officer Third Class Edgardo Lugto, assigned to the Human Resource Management Unit of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, was arrested in a separate operation at Barangay Sasa, Davao City.

Authorities recovered roughly 12 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P78,000 to P81,600, according to the PCG.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered both placed under immediate preventive suspension.

"Let this serve as a clear warning to all PCG officers and personnel that the Command will not tolerate involvement in illegal activities or any act that undermines the integrity of the service," Gavan said. "Those who violate the law will face the consequences of their actions."

Comm. Noemie Cayabyab, the spokesperson, said the Coast Guard is cooperating fully with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies on the investigation and filing of charges.

If found guilty, both personnel face criminal and administrative sanctions, including dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits. — Cristina Chi