By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Saturday the arrest of three high-value individuals, including a police corporal, and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at more than PHP2 million in separate operations on Friday.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the police corporal faces criminal and administrative complaints after he was caught in possession of suspected shabu during the service of a search warrant in Baao, Camarines Sur.
According to the police report, the corporal is assigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group, and is a resident of Baao, Camarines Sur.
Seized from him were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately 16.8 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP114,240.
“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,” Miranda said in a statement.
In Minalabac, also in Camarines Sur, two individuals were arrested in a separate operation – alias Mar, 26, of Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, and alias Louie, 27, of Barangay San Lorenzo, Taytay, Rizal.
Authorities recovered from them three knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing 300 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP2,040,000.
Miranda said the suspects and the seized items are now in the custody of the Minalabac Municipal Police for proper disposition.
The marking and inventory of the evidence were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and an inspecting witness.
Those arrested will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Miranda commended the team, saying the operation reflects the PNP’s intelligence-driven approach in targeting high-value individuals and 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,” he added. (PNA)
