Police arrest Ilocos Norte security guard for drug pushing

LAOAG CITY, Philippines—A security guard manning the Ilocos Norte Capitol building was arrested on Monday in a drug buy-bust operation, hours after he and over a hundred provincial employees submitted themselves to a mandatory drug test ordered by Governor Imee Marcos.

Eddie Acoba, 54, was apprehended by the Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (PAIDSOTF).

Acoba was caught in possession of two plastic sachets of suspected shabu and a marked bill offered by a police asset.

Before he was assigned as provincial security guard, Acoba served the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail as a driver, who was tasked to transport inmates to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Dario Estavillo, INPJ officer-in-charge, said Acoba was transferred to the Capitol because of reports linking him to the illegal drugs trade.

Romeo Rumbaoa, supervisor of the provincial security unit, said Acoba left his post at 3 p.m. and proceeded to the east wing parking lot of the Provincial Capitol.

“We were shocked when we learned he was arrested by the police,” said Rumbaoa.

Investigators said Acoba was identified as the drug supplier of a woman whom the police had arrested on the same day at a Laoag City restaurant.

Fe Siazon, the province’s human resources management officer, said they earlier advised Acoba to retire, after he was restricted from entering the jailhouse and mingling with inmates on account of his rumored drug ties.

This was cited in a memorandum detailing Acoba’s reassignment, which was served last June 10, after the election ban was lifted. Acoba had been a provincial employee for 30 years. RAM

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