Manila: The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) endorsed a public high school student to the custody of the city's Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) after he was found possessing dried marijuana leaves on campus on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, security personnel recovered the suspected illegal drugs from the 17-year-old male student during a routine inspection at the entrance gate. BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia acknowledged the prompt action of the school administration and security staff in coordinating with the police. "The safety and well-being of our learners remain one of our top priorities," he added.
The student, who was arrested by personnel of Police Station 5, yielded three plastic sachets containing 8 grams of suspected marijuana worth PHP960, a ceramic pipe, a pair of scissors, and a disposable lighter placed inside a black sling bag. Police report said the confiscated suspected marijuana was submitted to the forensic laboratory for examination.
The incident will be handled in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, recognizing the special procedures applicable to children in conflict with the law, it added. "The strong collaboration between schools, parents, and law enforcement agencies is important in preventing the entry and proliferation of illegal drugs within educational institutions," Rebadomia said.
