Digos City, Davao del Sur — A police officer, tagged as a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade, was arrested in a joint anti-drug operation on Tuesday evening, exposing once again the depth of the challenge of rooting out criminality within law enforcement ranks.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Kap”, a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP), was arrested by a composite team from the Digos City Police Station, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU11), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 11 (PDEA 11), the Provincial Drug Enforcement and Intelligence Units, the 1st Davao Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 1104th Maneuver Company of RMFB11.
Seized from the officer were 48.1 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱384,800. Authorities confirmed that the suspect had been classified as Regional Level No. 1 High-Value Individual (HVI).
PCOL Leo T. Ajero, Provincial Director of the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO), commended the operatives for their successful operation but expressed strong condemnation of the suspect’s involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“This is an unacceptable and disgraceful act by a PNP member who chose to betray the integrity of his oath and the trust of the people,” Ajero stressed.
Ajero underscored that the arrest shows the police organization’s “relentless” internal cleansing campaign, reiterating that no personnel—regardless of rank or position—will be spared if found involved in criminal activities.
The arrest highlights the continuing challenge of ensuring credibility within the PNP, as public trust remains at stake whenever uniformed personnel are caught engaging in activities they are sworn to eradicate. Authorities noted that such arrests also serve as a warning that internal accountability mechanisms are in motion.
The DSPPO vowed to strengthen its collaboration with partner agencies in pursuing all lawless elements in the province.
“We will continue to uphold the highest standards of public service, integrity, and accountability in line with our sworn duty to serve and protect,” Ajero said.
The arrested officer is now facing criminal and administrative charges.