Davao Oriental governor’s son nabbed in drug bust; Gov tells cops: ‘Job well done’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The son of Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang was nabbed in a drug bust in this city, but the father congratulated the police here for a “job well done.”

The governor assured that he would not interfere in his son’s case.

Dayanghirang said in a statement Thursday that his son, Jossone Michael Dayanghirang, 32, should face the consequences of his actions.

Davao City Police Director Alexander Tagum said that 13 grams of shabu (crystal meth) worth P208,000 was recovered from Jossone Michael.

“Tungod kay iya man kining binuhatan, anaa naman siya sa saktong pangidaron (32 years old), angay lang nga iyang tubagon ang silot nga angay kaniya subay sa atong balaod,” Dayanghirang said.

He confirmed that it was his son Jossone Michael Dayanghirang who was arrested by authorities on Wednesday afternoon in a drug bust operation in Juna Subdivision, this city.

According to him, Jossone Michael grew up with her mother. But when he learned that he’s using illegal drugs, he was sent to a drug rehab facility.

Dayanghirang lamented that despite the family’s efforts to help him, Jossone Michael has continued with his involvement with drugs.

“Apan luyo sa akong paningkamot, nagpadayun siya sa iyang bisyo nga dili maayo—hinungdal nga nagkabuwag mi. Gani, sobra unom (6) ka tuig na kami wala nagkita. Bisan pa man nipanaw na sa laing kalibutan akong inahan ug amahan, wala gyud siya nag pakita,” he said.

Despite his son’s arrest, he lauded the law enforcement officers for a “job well done” and for imposing the law.

Dayanghirang, who is running for reelection unopposed on May 13 under the Nacionalista Party, said his administration has been implementing measures that would curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in his province. He said his son is not exempted from the law.

Tagum said another person was also arrested with Dayanghirang, Rojhel Abear Sanchez, who was caught sniffing the illegal drug substance inside Room 211 at Jasmine Blooms Apartelle.

Their arrest was attributed to a case built up by operations and jointly conducted by the DCPO Intelligence Group and with Toril Police Station, according to Tagum.

Dayanghirang and Sanches are facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. /ee