Soldier, companion land in jail for drugs, firearm in North Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier and his companion were arrested after law enforcement agencies caught them in possession of suspected shabu (crystal meth) and illegal firearm in North Cotabato, police said Saturday.

Report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 identified the suspect as Sgt. Oscar Dapriza, who is an active detachment commander of Barangay Lampagang, Tulunan, North Cotabato under Delta Company of 39th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army. Police said Dapriza is a high-value target.

Dapriza’s cohort was identified as a certain Myrene Ferino, 45, police said.

Elements of PRO 12, Tulunan Municipal Police Station, PDEA North Cotabato and 39th Infantry Battalion arrested the two suspects in Tulunan at 2:55 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 24).

Seized from them were one gram of suspected shabu, marked money worth P1,000 and a 9mm Glock 17 with magazine and live ammunition. Officials said the gun was found to be unlicensed and both the suspects have no permit to carry firearms.

The suspects will be charged for violations of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act No. 10951.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, regional director of PRO 12, said even members of law enforcement involved in illegal drugs should not be tolerated. /jpv