The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday appealed
to the public not to judge Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino, who is now
being investigated in connection with a Php320-million drug-bust in Sta. Cruz, Manila
"IAW (in accordance with) our justice system, Lt. Col.
Marcelino is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and as such is entitled
to legal assistance if so requested," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen.
Restituto Padilla said in a message to the PNA.
"So far no request for this has been made. We
understand and will respect his choice of counsel," he added.
In line with this, the AFP spokesperson also urged the
public to give Marcelino due process and allow the case to take its due course.
Padilla also stressed that the beleaguered Marine officer's
service reputation is very credible.
"His work ethic based on whom he has worked with is
unquestionable as well as his dedication to duty," he added.
And when asked on whether he was surprised on Marcelino's
drug-bust arrest, Padilla replied:
"We cannot judge as of this time, there are many
operations occurring that have deeper origins and basis so in our case, we
leave it to the investigating authorities to determine that but we are sure
that in the end the truth behind this will come out and the colonel’s
reputation, service reputation will come out strong."
Marcelino and 33-year-old Chinese national Yan Yi Shou were
arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents at Felix Huertas corner
Batangas Streets in Sta. Cruz, Manila last Jan. 21.
Around 64 kilograms of "shabu" worth Php320
million were seized.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=850333
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