Palace: Not one corner of PH will serve as haven for drug peddlers

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin —PPA POOL

MANILA, Philippines —  The Palace stressed on Thursday that not one corner of the country will serve as “refuge for the producers and distributors of these lethal substances,” following the arrest of a suspected drug pusher inside the Malacañang Complex itself.

READ: Dela Rosa on role in drug war: ‘Given the chance, I’d do it again’

“Let it be known: no corner of this land, no matter how remote or concealed, will serve as a refuge for the producers and distributors of these lethal substances. The full, unforgiving weight of the law will always descend upon them,” said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a statement.

It also commended the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Presidential Security Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and police for the apprehension of the suspect identified as Edgar Ventura, who goes by the alias “Face.”

“We call on law enforcement to relentlessly pursue the capture of his accomplices, who remain at large,” the statement read.

“Moreover, we ask for the full cooperation of all citizens in this ongoing investigation,” it added.

Bersamin added that the operation signifies the “unyielding resolve” of the current administration toward eradicating illegal drugs in our country.

In a statement last October 22, the NBI said they received information about “Face,” a certain Francisco Soriano Jr., or “Juntot,” who are allegedly involved in selling methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and keeping a drug den in San Miguel, Manila.

Authorities conducted an operation on October 16, which led to the arrest of “Face.” He was later brought to the NBI-Dangerous Drugs Board office for booking and processing.

Authorities also seized nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be illegal drugs.

“The seized drug items were submitted to the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division for examination. The fifteen (15) individuals present inside the premises during the operation were also invited to DDD office for drug test,” the NBI statement read.

READ: Duterte to be summoned to Senate-led drug war probe, says Bato

It added that “Face” will be presented for inquest proceedings for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, “Juntot,” as well as other individuals who are at large will be charged with the same violation of law if  found positive for use of shabu.