PCG deputy commander in Masbate sacked over botched drug inspection

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has sacked its deputy commander in Masbate amid its ongoing probe as to how a vehicle carrying over P170 million worth of illegal drugs slipped past inspection and boarded a passenger vessel.

PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deputy commander's removal as an administrative investigation is underway "to determine his accountability regarding the failure to conduct a routine vehicle inspection before the vessel board," the PCG said in a statement Saturday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) reported Thursday that 25 packs of shabu, weighing about a kilogram each, were recovered from inside the vehicle of woman and her son at Pier 5 in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

The two departed from Masbate using a roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessel.

Initial investigation by the PCG "found that there was no thorough inspection prior to the boarding of the vehicle carrying the contraband."

"Hence, the authorities were only able to apprehend the vehicle upon the vessel's arrival in Cebu City," the PCG said.

According to the PCG, the deputy commander said he was at a courtesy meeting when the incident occurred.

Confiscated from the mother, 63, and her son, 41, were a big brown carton box containing the 25 shabu packs, a sedan, three smartphones, and two identification cards.

Charges for transporting illegal drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them, earlier reports said.

The PCG said it is responsible for ensuring that necessary inspections are always performed, including the control and eradication of illegal drug transport in the country's ports and waterways. — VDV, GMA Integrated News