Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested four high-value individuals (HVIs) and seized PHP26.58 million worth of illegal drugs in three operations on Saturday. In a statement on Sunday, the PNP detailed that a joint buy-bust operation in Davao City resulted in the arrest of two adult suspects, both recognized as HVIs, and the confiscation of approximately 12 kilograms of marijuana, valued at PHP1.44 million.
According to Philippines News Agency, another buy-bust operation in Taguig City led to the capture of two HVIs and the seizure of 150 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP1.02 million. Furthermore, police units in the Cordillera Administrative Region conducted extensive marijuana eradication operations across several remote barangays in Benguet and Kalinga. This effort led to the uprooting and on-site destruction of more than 95,000 marijuana plants, with an estimated value of PHP24.12 million.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the goal of anti-drug operations is not merely to make arrests but to eliminate the sources of illegal drugs. He stated that the seizure of millions worth of illegal drugs demonstrates a "firm resolve to enforce the law without fear or favor" and is part of a "sustained campaign to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public safety."
In a separate development, the PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has launched a parallel administrative investigation against an active-duty police officer involved in an alleged carnapping and coercion incident on January 30. The officer, assigned to the District Headquarters Support Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD) and detailed with its Forensic Unit, was arrested along with seven others during an operation by responding police units in Sta. Cruz, Manila. One suspect remains at large.
Inspector General Brigido Dulay stated, "The badge is not a shield for wrongdoing. Any police personnel found to have abused authority or engaged in criminal acts will be held accountable." Initial investigations revealed that the victim, a delivery rider, was lured through a fake booking request and forcibly taken along with his delivery vehicle by a group posing as police officers.
