ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas again issued a stern warning to city government employees, especially the regular ones, against engaging in illegal drugs.
“Kon madakop ka, do not expect support from the city government. We will file administrative charges against you which may lead to your termination,” the city mayor said.
Treñas’ warning came after a regular employee of the city hall was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Zone 1, Barangay Calumpang, Molo district.
The 40-year-old Carlos “Caloy” Agado, a native of Zamboanga City, was caught after selling to a police poseur-buyer a plastic sachet of suspected shabu for P6,800.
Police classified him as a high-value individual.
Treñas stressed the city government will file administrative charges against Agado.
As to the question whether he will subject the city government’s regular employees to random drug testing following Agado’s arrest, Treñas said, “We will see if feasible ina”.
But, he added, there is a gray area on the proposed drug test for regular employees because they can only voluntarily subject themselves to drug test.
All job hires and contract of service employees of the city hall are required to submit to quarterly drug tests to ensure there are no drug users in the employ of the city government.
The drug test requirement was ordered following the arrest of a former job hire in a drug buy-bust operation on Aug. 24, 2022.
The arrest of Agado on March 2 was carried out by the Special Drug Enforcement Team led by Molo police station officer-in-charge, Police Captain Benjie Q. Dicen, and the City Drug Enforcement Unit led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr.
Two grams of suspected shabu valued at around P13,600 were seized, along with a .9mm pistol, 30 pieces of .9mm live ammunition and two empty magazine, and a sling bag.
The suspect is facing charges for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act)./PN
