Silliman University president Dr. Ben Malayang III yesterday expressed support for an investigation on the arrest last Wednesday of a speech instructor and a former employee of SU, for allegedly using illegal drugs in Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City .

Arrested were speech teacher Agapael Orteza, and retired SU history instructor Clemente Balasabas. They were collared by Task Force 24 operatives allegedly while sniffing shabu  in the house said to be owned by Balasabas at Hibbard Avenue , Piapi.

Both suspects were subjected to inquest proceedings at the City Prosecutors' Office Thursday.

The court recommended no bail for Balasabas for charges of maintaining a drug den, while Orteza was granted a P500,000 bail for visiting a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of equipment, instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs.

Malayang  said  they have assigned  another  speech teacher  to  take   over  the  class  of  Orteza. He added that they will await the result of the police before taking sanctions against Orteza. He said the suspects deserve  due  process of  law, but warned all  employees  of  Siliman  to  strictly adhere  to    the order for a  drug-free  campus. Violators will face administrative sanctions, Malayang also said.*MA/RG

back to top