Bukidnon Gov. Zubiri Sacks Staff Who Was Arrested For Possessing Illegal Drugs

Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri said Monday his office has terminated his administrative aide for his alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Zubiri denied reports that the latest suspect arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was his bodyguard, Marlou Madrial, clarifying he was his former administrative aide.

“Marlou Madrial is not a bodyguard assigned to provide security to me. He has never been part of my close-in security group,” Zubiri, father of Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, said in a statement sent to media.

“For the benefit of our allies in Bukidnon, my son’s colleagues in the Senate and the country in general, I will be transparent on the issue. We have never condoned illegal drugs use, abuse and trade and my instruction is to arrest all drug offenders even if the person involved is part of our family or staff,” the older Zubiri said.

The governor also stressed that his son himself has led his staff in undergoing a voluntary drug test conducted by an accredited laboratory at the Senate Medical and Dental Clinic.

He described the arrest of Madrial as “a good sign that the PDEA has responded to calls for timely use of intelligence reports, the proper implementation of arrests and correct handling of evidence”.

Moreover, he assured that he will extend full assistance to PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the courts to wipe out illegal drugs in the country.

The governor meanwhile urged the government to require officials and employees of government agencies in all levels down to the barangay, as well as government-owned and -controlled corporations to undergo drug tests.

According to reports, Madrial was arrested after authorities on Sunday confiscated packs of suspected shabu, a .45-caliber pistol, and drug paraphernalia from his home in Kibawe, Bukidnon. (PNA) CVL/ANP