PCG fires deputy over drug smuggling oversight

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has dismissed its deputy commander in Masbate following an investigation into how a vehicle carrying P170 million worth of illegal drugs bypassed inspection and boarded a passenger vessel.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the removal of the deputy commander as an administrative probe is ongoing to determine his accountability for failing to conduct routine inspections before the vessel's departure.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) reported that 25 kilograms of shabu were seized from a vehicle at Pier 5 in Cebu City, which had departed from Masbate on a roll-on, roll-off vessel.

Initial findings by the PCG indicate that there was no thorough inspection prior to the vehicle's boarding, leading to its detection only upon arrival in Cebu.

The deputy commander claimed he was at a courtesy meeting when the incident occurred, but the PCG is emphasizing its responsibility for ensuring inspections and controlling drug transport in ports and waterways.