DILG exec: Guia Castro may face suspension, dismissal from public service

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said Guia Gomez Castro, the alleged drug queen who conspires with police officers in selling narcotics, may face suspension or dismissal from public service.

According to DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, the agency is eyeing to file grave neglect of duty or grave misconduct against Castro with the Office of the Ombudsman which may lead to her dismissal from public service.

Malaya clarified that Castro, who was elected as barangay captain of Barangay 484 Zone 48 in Manila, is still considered a public official because she was able to take her oath.

"Since technically she is a public official, the DILG is now preparing the filing of administrative cases for her suspension and dismissal," Malaya told reporters at the sidelines of a forum in Quezon City.

"She took her oath... kinausap ko 'yung national barangay offices namin, tiningnan namin 'yung master list namin, active siya na barangay kapitan. And then we checked with City of Manila, active siya..." Malaya added.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar earlier said Castro did not take oath as barangay chairperson.

Malaya further said Castro had just gone AWOL (absence without leave), but she is still considered a public official.

"Madaming puwedeng i-file sa kaniya kasi involvement sa illegal drugs eh..." Malaya said.

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice disclosed that the United States (US) visa of Castro was already canceled.

"The BI (Bureau of Immigration) is now working with US immigration authorities to effect her deportation to the Philippines," Justice Undersecretary Mark Perete said.

Castro has been accused of buying illegal drugs that rogue policemen had seized from legitimate operations and "recycled" to be resold in the market.

Castro has denied the allegations against her. — RSJ, GMA News