PDEA chief surprised by dismissal of drug case vs actor

Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez says the kilo of marijuana found in his possession by policemen was to be used as medicine to prevent cancer. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The dismissal of the drug case against actor Mark Anthony Fernandez surprised the chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino.

On Wednesday, Aquino said he was the director of the Central Luzon office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) when Fernandez was arrested.

Fernandez was arrested in Angeles, Pampanga on Oct. 3, 2016 for allegedly transporting a kilo of marijuana, with an estimated street value of P15,000.

“I am personally surprised by the acquittal of Mr. Mark Anthony Fernandez, who during my time as Regional Director of PNP Region 3, was apprehended for possession of 1 kilo of marijuana,” Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino said, however, that he would respect the rule of law and that he would support the PNP in whatever legal action it would undertake against Fernandez.

“Further, I will continue to wage the campaign against illegal drugs in the whole country as PDEA chief,” he said.

READ: Pampanga court clears actor of drug rap

Judge Ireneo Pangilinan Jr. of the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 58 said he had to release Fernandez due to “procedural breaches” committed by Angeles police officers in handling the evidence against Fernandez.

The actor is the son of actress and politician Alma Moreno and the late actor Rudy Fernandez. /atm