Former BRP Sierra Madre crewman probed for alleged drug use
Published Aug 7, 2026 03:17 pm
At A Glance
- A Philippine Navy (PN) sailor previously assigned to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is being investigated over alleged illegal drug use. He was assigned to another unit when the alleged incident occurred.
- The Navy said it was establishing the facts and will take administrative and legal action if a violation is confirmed. The case was identified through the military's Insider Threat Programme.
- The Navy reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, stressing that its personnel undergo mandatory and random drug testing to maintain discipline and operational readiness.
Western Command (Wescom) personnel deliver food and other supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on June 20, 2022. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
A Philippine Navy (PN) sailor previously assigned to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is facing an investigation over alleged illegal drug use, a military spokesperson said Friday, Aug. 7.
PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez clarified that the sailor, who had taken part in resupply missions, was assigned to another unit when the reported drug use allegedly occurred.
“I would just like to emphasize that the sailor was not assigned to BRP Sierra Madre at the time the alleged report was made. He was, in fact, assigned to a different unit during that period,” Martinez said.
The BRP Sierra Madre was intentionally grounded in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as an outpost of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and reinforce the country’s claim to the shoal, which remains a sensitive area in the WPS amid overlapping claims by China.
Martinez said the Navy is still establishing the facts surrounding the allegation and has yet to determine whether the sailor committed any violation.
“At this stage, the Philippine Navy is conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to establish all relevant facts and circumstances. We are committed to ensuring that the process is completed in accordance with existing laws, military regulations, and due process,” she said.
“It would be inappropriate to confirm the allegations while the investigation is ongoing. Should any violation be established, proper administrative and legal actions will be taken in accordance with existing laws and military regulations,” she added.
The Navy said the case was identified through its Insider Threat Programme, which is designed to detect, report and address activities that could pose risks to personnel, operations, national security and institutional integrity.
Martinez said the PN maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, which it considers a serious offense against military discipline and national law.
She added that Navy personnel regularly undergo mandatory and random drug testing as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure operational readiness.