LEGAZPI CITY — The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) announced on Saturday the arrest of three high-value targets, including an active-duty police corporal, following separate anti-narcotics operations in Camarines Sur that yielded over PHP 2-M worth of illegal drugs.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda confirmed that the police corporal is now facing both criminal and administrative charges after he was caught with suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) during the implementation of a search warrant in Baao, Camarines Sur, on Friday.
The corporal, a resident of Baao, is reportedly assigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). Authorities seized four heat-sealed plastic sachets from his possession, weighing approximately 16.8 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 114,240.
In a stern statement, Miranda emphasized that the organization will not shield its own from the law: “Operations against illegal drugs are continuous and uncompromising. No one is above the law. Any PNP personnel who violates the law, regardless of rank, will be held accountable. PNP-Bicol will not allow rogue elements to tarnish the integrity of the force. Those who betray public trust will face justice – without exception.”
A second, larger operation in Minalabac, Camarines Sur, led to the arrest of two more suspects identified by their aliases: “Mar,” 26, from Pasig City, and “Louie,” 27, from Taytay, Rizal.
The Minalabac bust resulted in the recovery of three knot-tied plastic bags containing 300 grams of suspected shabu. The haul has an estimated street value of PHP 2,040,000.
According to Miranda, the suspects and the confiscated evidence are currently in the custody of the Minalabac Municipal Police for proper disposition. The marking and inventory of the drugs were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and witnesses to ensure the integrity of the evidence.
All three individuals will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Miranda commended the operating units, noting that these arrests highlight the PNP’s intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle drug networks and apprehend repeat offenders.
“This arrest sends a clear message: no one involved in the drug trade, regardless of status, is beyond the reach of the law. We will continue to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities,” Miranda added.| PNA
