Ex-PMA cadet’s drug link spans decade – QCPD

MANILA, Philippines — A former Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who was among five people arrested by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Wednesday has been involved in the illegal drug trade for over a decade.

Based on records obtained by the police, QCPD spokesperson Maj. Wennie Ann Calle said Fidel Samson Jr., 58, was arrested in 2011 and 2018 for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

“Puro possession of dangerous drugs,” Calle said in a phone interview.

Samson; Kathrine Santos, also known as Kat de Santos when she was still a member of the Baywalk Bodies; Victor Ronquillo, Ferdinand Parado and Lisa Cuenco were the targets of an operation in Barangay Salvacion on Wednesday night.

The QCPD earlier said Samson was a graduate of PMA Class 1987 but was discharged from the military with the rank of second lieutenant for his participation in the 1989 coup attempt against former president Corazon Aquino.

The suspects underwent inquest proceedings yesterday for drug trafficking.

However, the QCPD clarified yesterday in an updated press statement that Samson was only a cadet and was in his second year in the PMA when he was dismissed from the academy.

Samson has been on the radar of anti-narcotics officers for some time, police said.

A security official said Samson and Santos, who is also on the police drug watchlist, joined forces over the past five months.

The five were arrested after a running gun battle that ended along Tecson street in Barangay 379 in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Two of the suspects, Parado and Cuenco, were wounded during the exchange of gunfire and are recuperating at the Chinese General Hospital. – Michael Punongbayan