A retired police officer was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated that no one is above the law.
The operation was carried out on the evening of July 16, 2026, by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG), Police Regional Office 5, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, Iriga City Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Authorities arrested a 45-year-old retired police staff sergeant and recovered suspected shabu weighing around 9.6 grams with an estimated standard drug price of ₱65,280, along with other non-drug pieces of evidence.
The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights. Authorities also conducted an inventory of the seized evidence in the presence of required witnesses in accordance with established procedures.
The PNP said no untoward incident occurred during the operation.
The agency emphasized that former members of the police organization remain accountable under the law and that the operation reflects its continued implementation of intelligence-driven and lawful enforcement efforts under the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the arrest sends a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated regardless of the identity or background of those involved.
“Malinaw ang ating paninindigan—walang puwang ang ilegal na gawain, kahit dating miyembro pa ng PNP ang sangkot. Hindi natin maaaring ipagwalang-bahala ang anumang paglabag sa batas. Ang tiwalang ibinibigay sa atin ng publiko ay dapat laging pinangangalagaan, at bahagi nito ang pagpapatupad ng batas nang patas, walang kinikilingan, at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa,” Nartatez said.
The PNP assured the public that it will continue intensifying lawful and intelligence-based operations against illegal drugs while upholding professionalism, human rights, and due process.
The agency said these efforts are aligned with its commitment to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”