MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) lauded a judge in Calbayog City for convicting a non-commissioned army officer for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a five-page decision released on Nov. 14, 2017, Judge Reynaldo B. Clemens of the Calbayog City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 31 found Corporal Gilbert de Luna Mastelero, a member of Intelligence Team of the 20th Infantry Battalion, guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), of the anti-drug law.
“Mastelero was sentenced to suffer the penalty of life imprisonment and a total fine of PHP500,000,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement.
Aquino said prior to his conviction, Mastelero was arrested by joint operatives of PDEA Regional Office VIII and Calbayog City Police Office during an entrapment operation in Room 305, La Vista Pensionne, Barangay Capoocan, Calbayog City, Samar on March 16, 2012.
He added that confiscated from Mastelero was one plastic sachet containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing 2.591 grams.
“PDEA salutes Judge Clemens for ensuring that justice is promptly served. I am looking forward to more resolution of drug cases in favor of the government,” the PDEA chief added. (PNA)
