The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sacked the deputy commander of its station in Masbate after a P170 million “shabu” shipment slipped past port inspection and managed to reach the Cebu City Pier before being caught by authorities.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the removal of the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Masbate’s deputy commander amid an ongoing administrative investigation to determine his accountability in the incident.
The PCG did not release the identity of the axed official pending the result of the probe.
According to the PCG, the shabu shipment was seized by combined teams from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) from a mother-and-son duo at Pier 5 in Cebu City last Jan. 23.
Authorities said the suspects came from Masbate port and boarded a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) passenger vessel with a private vehicle where the contraband was hidden.
“[I]t was found out that there was no thorough inspection prior to the boarding of the vehicle carrying the contraband on board a passenger / RoRo vessel. Hence, the authorities were only able to apprehend the vehicle upon the vessel’s arrival in Cebu City,” the PCG said.
The PCG said Gavan wanted to determine the deputy commander’s accountability regarding the CGS Masbate’s failure to conduct a routine vehicle inspection before the vessel boarding.
“The PCG investigates the scenario to ensure necessary inspections are always performed, in fulfillment of Coast Guard’s mandates – including the control and eradication of illegal drug transport in the country’s ports and waterway,” the Coast Guard said.
For his part, the deputy commander of CGS Masbate claimed he was at a courtesy meeting when the incident occurred.
On social media, netizens were divided as some were asking why the PCG removed the deputy commander instead of the commander if the principle of command responsibility is to be based.
“Why is it the deputy who was relieved? Why not the commander?” asked one in Filipino.
Another one said the alibi of the deputy commander was not enough reason, thus, there is a clear sign of negligence.
The Manila Bulletin reached out to the PCG for clarification and will give an update once the officials respond.