Navy clarifies issue on sailor probed for drug use

The Philippine Navy clarified yesterday that a sailor being investigated for alleged drug use “is not and was not” assigned to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal at the time the offense was reported. “At this stage, the Philippine Navy is conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to establish all relevant facts and circumstances,” Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez told reporters yesterday. Martinez said the sailor cited in a report by the South China Morning Post “was, in fact, assigned to a different unit during that period.” “We are committed to ensuring that the process is completed in accordance with existing laws, military regulations and due process. We are still establishing the facts and it would be inappropriate to confirm the allegations while the investigation is ongoing,” she added. If the investigation would show that the sailor committed a violation, the Navy would file the proper administrative and legal actions, Martinez said. “The Navy maintains a zero-tolerance policy against the use, possession and distribution of illegal drugs, in adherence with our national laws. It is a grave violation of military discipline,” Martinez said.