PARANG, Maguindanao (MindaNews / 05 November) – Police and anti-narcotic operatives arrested an elementary school principal here during a drug buy bust operations.
Police Lt. Colonel Ibrahim Jambiran, Parang municipal police chief, identified the suspect as Nasser Kali Tando, 54, principal of Miramar Elementary School in Barangay Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao.
Tando, a resident of Sitio Miramar of the same village, was arrested at about 1 p.m. after he handed over suspected shabu to an operative posing as buyer.
Tando, considered by Parang police as high value target for allegedly peddling drugs to students in Barangay Poblacion, sold three sachets of shabu worth P3,000.
Jambiran said Tando was earlier pointed by surrenders as an active user. “After that, he appeared in our office, admitted he was and vowed to stop but later we verified he is still active in drug use, so the drug bust was initiated.”
In one instance, a video showed Tando using suspected shabu while transacting with his supplier via social media. The video was erased from his phone but police managed to secure evidence.
The operation, Jambiran said, was witnessed by Abdulmonem Ali, chair of Barangay Poblacion 2.
Police also seized another sachet of shabu from Tando.
Jambiran added that Tando admitted he was taking his stuff from a supplier in Cotabato City.
He is now detained at Parang custodial facility and charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against him.
Jambiran said Tando did not resist arrest.
Mayor Cahar Ibay lauded the efforts of his police force.
“The principal is supposed to be the shepherd and molds good values, the father of the children in that school. The parents entrusted their children to him, and it is unacceptable that we have him and his habit in the learning area,” he said. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)