Army to probe reservist caught in drug bust; JTF NCR requests his delisting

The Philippine Army will investigate an Army reservist who was caught by authorities in a drug buy-bust operation on Saturday, its spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

Private First Class Omar Pagayawan and two others were arrested in the parking lot of a shopping mall in Quezon City on Saturday morning. More or less one kilo of suspected shabu estimated to be worth P6.8 million was confiscated from the suspects.

"We hold all our personnel, whether active soldiers or reservists, to the highest standards of military discipline and professionalism," Zagala said.

"The Army Reserve Command will investigate this matter accordingly and if found guilty, he will be expelled as a reservist," he added.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF NCR) said it has requested for Pagayawan's delisting.

It also said Pagayawan reported to the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG) and was "not an organic personnel of the JTF NCR."

"He previously rendered voluntary duty in Pasay City during the COVID 19 Pandemic but his duty has been terminated on 15 June 2020," it added.

The Army reservist will face raps for violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002); and Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions) and Article 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia) of the Revised Penal Code.

Pagayawan was caught by authorities wearing a JTF-NCR uniform.

—KG, GMA News