Re-elected village exec in North Cotabato nabbed for drugs

A re-elected village chairman in Barangay Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato was arrested by government anti-drug operatives, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed on Thursday.

In a statement, PDEA director general Aaron Aquino identified the suspect as 48-year-old Melvin Fortajada.

Aquino said Fortajada, who was on the government watch list, was arrested in a drug raid conducted by agents from the PDEA Regional Office XII on May 16, or two days after village and youth polls.

“Seized during the operation were suspected shabu weighing more or less three grams, with an estimated value of P20,400, and three pieces of .45 caliber live ammunition,”  the PDEA chief said.

The village official would be charged for violation of Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Moreover, charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act were also being prepared against the suspect, Aquino said. /ee