Three minors caught smoking suspected weed at Iloilo school

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — Three minors were caught smoking suspected dried marijuana leaves on the campus of an integrated school in the City Proper district on the afternoon of July 27.

Police Capt. Jesus Cambay III, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 7, said the boys were 14, 15, and 16 years old.

A teacher found the teenagers smoking through a glass tooter in a corner of a condemned classroom at about 2 p.m. Monday.

Following earlier police guidance, school personnel held the boys in the principal’s office until officers arrived.

Cambay said police also called a barangay official and a media representative to witness the frisking and inventory.

Authorities recovered a glass tooter containing visible suspected dried marijuana leaves.

Cambay said the teenagers appeared unaware of the seriousness of their actions and were giggling uncontrollably, which he described as common behavior after marijuana use.

Teachers and faculty members had become more vigilant for possible illegal drug use among students after two learners were expelled the previous week for using marijuana.

The boys admitted using marijuana and identified their alleged source, police said.

“Apparently, the three teenagers didn’t know that two of their schoolmates were expelled last week for smoking marijuana,” Cambay said.

A teacher had become suspicious of the two expelled students after noticing a skunk-like odor associated with marijuana use.

“After that incident, we briefed the school principal on what to look out for on learners who are into drug use,” Cambay said.

The 15- and 16-year-old boys were taken to Balay Dalayunan.

The 14-year-old, whom authorities classified as a child at risk, was placed under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.