FILE PHOTO: The BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy warship that now serves as military outpost, keeps watch over Ayungin (Second Thomas), located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Nearby are Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in this shot taken on February 21, 2023, during an aerial surveillance by the Philippine Coast Guard. Philippine Daily Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy is investigating allegations that one of its sailors used illegal drugs but said the serviceman was not assigned to the BRP Sierra Madre when the alleged incident occurred.
Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the sailor was assigned to another unit during the period cited in the report.
READ: BRP Sierra Madre a symbol of PH sovereignty that China wants to destroy
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“I would just like to emphasize that the sailor was not assigned to BRP Sierra Madre at the time the alleged report was made. He was, in fact, assigned to a different unit during that period,” Martinez told reporters.
The Navy issued the statement after the South China Morning Post reported that a Philippine sailor who had served aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, the country’s outpost at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, was being investigated over alleged drug use.
The report, citing unnamed sources, said the sailor had allegedly tested positive for illegal drug use and was removed from duty while the investigation was ongoing. The allegations have not been confirmed by the Philippine Navy.
Martinez said the Navy was conducting a “thorough and impartial investigation” to establish the facts of the case.
“We are still establishing the facts, and it would be inappropriate to confirm the allegations while the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
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“Should any violation be established, proper administrative and legal actions will be taken in accordance with existing laws and military regulations,” Martinez added.
The Navy spokesperson said the sailor remains under investigation and that appropriate administrative and operational measures have been implemented while the probe continues.
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She also reiterated the Navy’s policy against illegal drugs among its personnel.
“The Philippine Navy maintains a zero-tolerance policy against the use, possession, and distribution of illegal drugs, in adherence to our national laws,” Martinez said.
“The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs is a grave violation of military discipline, existing laws, and the core values expected of every member of the organization,” she added.
Martinez said reports involving Navy personnel are subject to validation and due process.
“Where sufficient basis exists, the concerned personnel shall be dealt with in accordance with existing laws, military regulations, and established disciplinary procedures,” she said.
All Navy personnel undergo mandatory and random drug testing, Martinez said, as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure operational readiness.
“The Philippine Navy remains steadfast in maintaining a disciplined and professional organization,” she said.
The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era landing ship, has been stationed at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 to maintain the Philippines’ presence in the feature.
It has become a flashpoint in tensions between Manila and Beijing, with Chinese maritime forces repeatedly challenging Philippine resupply missions to troops stationed aboard the vessel.
Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
It has rejected the 2016 arbitral award, which invalidated the legal basis of its sweeping “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea, later expanded to a “10-dash line.” /jpv
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