The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the arrest of three Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in a buy-bust operation in Bamban, Tarlac.
"We can confirm that the three soldiers are assigned in 7th Infantry Division (7ID), Philippine Army based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City [Nueva Ecija]. Details on their status are still being confirmed," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
According to a Manila Bulletin report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested Corporal Venancio D. Delmoral, Corporal Juan Carlo G. Feliciano, and Sgt. Modesto D. Rosquero in a drug sting in Barangay Anupul last Feb. 4.
Seized from them were P340,000 worth of suspected shabu, according to PDEA.
Padilla said the AFP will not condone any illegal wrongdoing within their ranks.
"The Armed Forces remains committed to upholding discipline and integrity within its ranks and will cooperate fully with PDEA to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter," she noted.
"Any involvement in illegal activities by members of the Armed Forces is contrary to the principles of service and appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation in accordance with the law and military regulations," she added.
Nonetheless, the AFP spokesperson maintained that the arrest of the soldiers during the drug sting was an isolated incident.
"This isolated incident does not represent the values and dedication of the vast majority of our men and women in uniform who tirelessly serve the nation with unwavering commitment," Padilla said.