BACOLOD City – A 17-year-old Grade 9 student was caught with suspected marijuana during a routine inspection at a public high school in Barangay Granada on Wednesday, July 22, prompting the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to renew its call for stronger cooperation among schools, parents, and law enforcement in keeping campuses drug-free.
BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia said school security personnel at a public high school in Barangay Granada discovered the suspected contraband during a routine inspection of students entering the campus at around 1:03 p.m.
Police said two plastic sachets containing about eight grams of suspected marijuana, with an estimated standard drug price of P960, were recovered from the student’s bag.
Also confiscated were a black sling bag, a ceramic pipe, a pair of scissors, and a disposable lighter.
The school administration immediately coordinated with the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 5, which responded to the incident.
The student was later turned over to the Social Development Center for the appropriate intervention.
The confiscated suspected marijuana will be submitted to the forensic laboratory for examination.
Authorities said the incident will be handled in accordance with Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which provides special procedures for children in conflict with the law.
Rebadomia commended the school administration and security personnel for their prompt response and coordination with the police.
“The safety and well-being of our learners remain one of our top priorities. We commend the prompt action of the school administration and security personnel in immediately coordinating with the police,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among schools, parents, law enforcement agencies, and the community in preventing the entry and proliferation of illegal drugs in educational institutions.
The BCPO also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any information related to illegal drug activities, saying community participation is vital in protecting the youth and maintaining a safer, healthier, and drug-free Bacolod City.
