BAGUIO, Philippines – Authorities arrested a police officer and three others Tuesday, March 25, in a raid that led to the biggest shabu (meth) haul in the Cordillera region in recent months.
Law enforcers seized 20 kilograms of shabu worth an estimated P136 million during a joint operation at the South China Sea Green Valley Subdivision in Barangay Dontogan at around 11:02 am, police said.
Authorities identified the arrested policeman as 45-year-old Executive Master Sergeant Palmer Moling, a resident of Barangay Dontogan in Baguio. He is a member of the Baguio City Police Office.
The other suspects were identified as Mary Ann Ty, 49, Mark Leonard Laurente Teope of Valenzuela City, and Adriano Soriano of Agoo, La Union.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Wednesday, March 26, he was shocked by the largest drug bust in the Cordillera region, and the policeman’s alleged involvement.
Citing information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Magalong said the packages were sealed and likely not meant for local distribution.
“It’s deeply disappointing that one of our own police officers is involved,” he said, referring to Moling.
Magalong said Moling was known for a lavish lifestyle, with colleagues describing him as “galante” (generous).
“Now we know why,” he said. “He was known to be friendly, too. But regardless of personal traits, there will be no special treatment. Once the commitment order is issued, it will automatically mean a leave of absence without pay.”
Brigadier General David Peredo Jr., director of the Philippine National Police-Cordillera, said he was dismayed that a Baguio-based policeman was among those arrested but welcomed the development.
Baguio police chief Colonel Ruel Tagel said, “The BCPO will not tolerate illegal activities within our ranks. We remain resolute in our dedication to ensuring that those who violate the law are held accountable. This operation delivers a clear message of our determination to uphold public trust and strengthen the professionalism of our police force.”
Derrick Arnold Carreon, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time and were considered high-value targets. The PDEA said it was the biggest shabu haul in the region so far this year.
An initial report indicated that one of the suspects sold about one kilogram of suspected methamphetamine to an undercover buyer. A follow-up search led to the recovery of 19 more plastic packs, bringing the total haul to 20 kilograms.
Authorities also confiscated a firearm during the operation.
The PDEA said a complaint for violation of the the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act was being prepared against the suspects as of this posting.
The operation was carried out jointly by the PDEA in the Cordillera and National Capital Region, the PNP regional and Baguio offices. – Rappler.com