CLARK FREEPORT – The Land Transportation Office Officer-in-Charge was booted out from his position and will face criminal and administrative charges due to his involvement in illegal drugs, top official of the Department of Transportation announced Friday.
Transportation Sec Arthur Tugade ordered the dismissal of Rodel Yambao, LTO (Tarlac) OIC, from the government service after he received reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the suspect’s illegal activities.
“Kung involved kayo sa kurapsyun, lalong-lalo na sa droga, pasensyahan tayo, sipain ko kayo,” said Tugade when reached for comment by reporters.
Yambao was designated as OIC of LTO-Tarlac just recently. He was placed under tight surveillance by the PNP following reports on his involvement in illegal drugs trade.
The Tarlac LTO-chief was arrested by lawmen and government agents on Wednesday (May 8) during illegal drugs operations in his residence at Barangay San Roque, Tarlac City.
During the search, anti-narcotics operatives seized nine sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), a hand grenade, and bullets from unknown calibre of firearm at Yambao residence.
Police said Yambao is included in the list of high value target personalities operating in Tarlac province and nearby areas in Central Luzon.
Furious Tugade said “Kung mga corrupt nga hindi natin pinalalampas, eto pa kayang sangkot sa ipinagbabawal na gamot? Ang mga anay na gaya mo, walang puwang sa departamentong ito lalo na sa lipunan na galit na galit sa droga!”
Tugade also directed LTO chief Edgar Galvante to look into Yambao’s profile and investigate if he is involved in any form of corrupt practices during his term.
The Transportation Chief warned all employees under DOTr and its attached agencies that zero tolerance is imposed to those who will get involved in corruption, much more with illegal drugs.
Yambao was brought to Tarlac City police for further investigation as violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act is being readied against him.
Recently, police also arrested the City of San Fernando Environment Officer (CENRO) Jhay Jhon Bondoc Roque, 33, for alleged possession of shabu. The suspect was flagged down by lawmen for traffic violation. When subjected to body search, quantitative amount of shabu were found in his possession.