CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — An absent-without-official-leave (AWOL) Police Corporal and a senior citizen were arrested during a police anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, after authorities identified the police officer as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade.
The buy-bust operation was conducted at around 3:19 p.m. on October 22, 2026, in Zone 5, NHA, Barangay Kauswagan, by personnel of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), Police Station 4.
According to the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10), the operation resulted in the arrest of the police corporal, known by the alias “Nognog,” and another individual described in initial reports as a senior citizen and a friend of the officer.
Authorities seized approximately 0.64 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱4,352. The confiscated substance was submitted for forensic examination to determine its identity and composition.
Officer had tested positive for shabu and marijuana
PRO-10 said the police corporal had already been transferred to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (RPHAS), effective October 2, following a random drug test conducted on September 21 in which he reportedly tested positive for shabu and marijuana.
The officer was previously assigned to the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company under the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office before being placed under RPHAS.
He was also facing administrative proceedings for Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer and Grave Misconduct, both of which remained under pre-charge investigation, according to the regional police office.
A separate administrative case for Grave Neglect of Duty had also been filed in connection with his unauthorized and prolonged absence from duty.
His arrest in the buy-bust operation adds another development to the administrative proceedings already being pursued against him. However, the allegations and pending cases remain subject to the applicable investigative and legal processes.
PNP vows continued internal cleansing
In its statement, PRO-10 said the arrest underscored its commitment to internal cleansing, integrity monitoring and accountability within the police organization.
The regional police office said it would continue intelligence-driven operations and enforce professional standards among its personnel, emphasizing that police officers must be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing regardless of rank or position.
The operation was also presented as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Focused Agenda, particularly its integrity-monitoring efforts aimed at addressing misconduct within the organization and maintaining public trust.
Authorities said the cases against the officer would be handled in accordance with established procedures and due process.
Investigation continues
While police identified the two individuals arrested and disclosed the quantity and estimated value of the suspected illegal drugs seized, further details about the senior citizen’s alleged involvement, the complete inventory of evidence and the specific criminal charges to be filed were not immediately available in the initial reports.
The suspected shabu remains subject to forensic examination. The filing and resolution of any criminal charges will depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable legal procedures.
The arrest highlights the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in enforcing anti-drug laws while addressing alleged misconduct within their own ranks. The police officer remains entitled to due process, and the allegations against both individuals must be established through the appropriate legal proceedings.