Zamboanga school principal nabbed for alleged drug pushing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The principal of a public elementary shool here has been arrested for alleged drug pushing.

“We feel so sad with this report but it also serves as a wake-up call for all of us,” Pedro Melchor Natividad, the local superintendent of schools, said of the arrest of Alfredo Ramos, 59, principal of the Latuan Elementary School.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, Zamboanga City police director, said Ramos was arrested with two others—Mario Angelo Cristobal and Marbert Saavedra —in a buy-bust operation in the village of Quiniput Saturday night.

Casimiro said a police officer acted as buyer in the sting.

“We have a strong case against them,” Casimiro said, adding an inquest was scheduled for later Monday.

Natividad said Ramos assumed his post as principal of Latuan Elementary School a month ago.

“He has been in the service for over 20 years,” Natividad said.

Latuan Elementary School, some 44 kilometers away from the city center, has five teachers and 173 students.

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