Dinagat Islands — September 11, 2025
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken swift action against members of its Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Dinagat Islands following allegations of extortion raised by Congresswoman Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao.
In a letter addressed to the legislator, Police Colonel Ruel M. Cagape, chief of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 13 (RHPU 13), confirmed that all personnel under the Subteam Highway Patrol–Dinagat Islands have been relieved from their posts and are now under restrictive custody at the regional headquarters in Butuan City. The move comes as part of an ongoing probe into reports of mulcting activities by HPG personnel assigned to the province.
“This Office does not tolerate nor condone such misconduct committed by our personnel. A deep investigation is now being conducted to ascertain the truth and hold accountable any personnel found to have committed wrongdoing,” Col. Cagape assured in his letter.
The controversy erupted after Congresswoman Bag-ao raised community concerns to Police Regional Office 13 Director PBGen Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, citing complaints from residents about alleged extortion by HPG operatives in the area.
Bag-ao expressed gratitude to both RHPU 13 and PRO 13 for acting decisively on the matter. “We appreciate the quick response and firm stance of our police authorities. This is a step towards restoring public trust,” she said.
The relieved HPG personnel will remain under custody while the investigation proceeds, ensuring impartiality and preventing any influence on the process.
The extortion allegations strike at the heart of the police organization’s integrity, particularly in an island province where residents rely heavily on road and transport safety. The scandal has raised broader questions about accountability mechanisms within the PNP and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent abuse of power by law enforcers.
Col. Cagape reiterated that RHPU 13 is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and transparency. He also acknowledged the importance of vigilance from public officials and citizens in holding police accountable.
The case in Dinagat is now being closely watched by local stakeholders as a test of the PNP’s willingness to root out corruption within its ranks.