PCG Masbate chief relieved over lack of ship inspection

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has relieved its deputy commander in Masbate following the failure to conduct a thorough inspection before allowing a vehicle carrying P170 million worth of illegal drugs to board a passenger vessel bound for Cebu City.

On January 23, 2025, an inspection at Pier 4 in Cebu City led to the seizure of 25 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” inside a vehicle transported via a passenger vessel from Masbate.

During the operation, authorities arrested two high-value targets: Edward Loga, a 41-year-old resident of Isabel, Leyte; and his mother, Edna, a 63-year-old resident of Barangay Ermita, Cebu City.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7, the suspects disembarked at Pier 5 and attempted to avoid K9 inspection at Pier 4 by driving out of the port area. However, their plan failed when authorities flagged down their vehicle.

The PDEA-7 K9 team deployed Bayani, a five-year-old drug-sniffing Belgian Malinois, who alerted officers by sitting by the trunk of the car. A subsequent search confirmed the presence of the 25 kilos of shabu.

The seized contraband was turned over to the PDEA for further investigation and proper disposition, while the arrested individuals remain under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for documentation, according to the PCG.

The suspects will be referred to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor for the filing of charges under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other related laws.

Prior to the discovery of the P170 million worth of drugs, PCG said they already met with PDEA, Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Naval Intelligence and Security Group (NISG), Cebu Ports Authority (CPA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), on the possible transport of drugs from Masbate to Cebu City.

But even with the initial briefing, PCG discovered that no proper and thorough inspection was conducted before the vehicle was allowed to board the vessel from Masbate to Cebu City.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan immediately ordered the relief of the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Masbate Deputy Commander.

The relieved CGS Masbate Deputy Commander claimed he was attending a courtesy meeting when the incident occurred.

While the PCG did not initially disclose the name of the relieved officer, PCG Bicol, in a statement posted on Facebook, identified him as LTJG Arjohn B. Elumba.

As part of intensified security measures, the Coast Guard District Bicol has deployed seven additional working dogs with handlers—comprising four K9 narcotics detection dogs with four handlers and three explosive detection dogs—to tighten security in key ports and vessels operating within the Bicol maritime jurisdiction.

The PCG has vowed to strengthen its inspection protocols and ensure accountability within its ranks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Coast Guard District Bicol, in their statement, assures the public that it remains committed to enforcing all applicable maritime laws and upholding its mandate to secure the nation’s ports and waterways from illegal activities.  (CEBU NEWS)