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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider More anti-illegal drugs initiatives sought for students after arrest of school principal in buy-bust

More anti-illegal drugs initiatives sought for students after arrest of school principal in buy-bust

Published Mar 23, 2026 12:03 pm
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seeks a more aggressive integration of anti-illegal drug initiatives within the country’s education system following the arrest of a school principal in a buy-bust operation in Surigao del Sur.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the involvement of a public school principal in illegal drugs trade is deeply concerning, considering that the suspect is supposed to be at the forefront of guiding the students to become good citizens.
“The involvement of an educator in the illegal drug trade strikes at the heart of the community’s trust. We have to work together to address this problem for the welfare of the students, and for the interest of our educational system,” said Nartatez.
The 45-year old suspect, a District 1 School Supervisor (Principal III) in Surigao del Sur, was collared in a joint anti-drug operation by the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Purok 3, San Jose, Barangay Poblacion, Tagbina town on March 20.
During the operation, authorities confiscated two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected crystal meth or “shabu” worth P6,800 from the suspect, as well as the marked buy-bust money used in the transaction.
Nartatez said that while students are often the focus of drug awareness, the faculty and staff must not be overlooked.
“We need to look beyond the students and ensure our teachers and staff are also guided. We will step up our intelligence sharing at awareness programs in the schools,” said Nartatez.
He said coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) will be done for the conduct of more rigorous preventive education even for faculty members.
“Our uniform or our title does not exempt us from the law. If you choose to destroy the lives of our youth through drugs, the PNP will find you. We will be relentless in our internal cleansing and external operations,” Nartatez said.
He said he already instructed the operating unit to help build a strong case against the arrested school principal.
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