By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Five suspects, including two active police officers, were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Taguig City over the weekend.
The Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) on Monday said the suspects were apprehended during the operation conducted Saturday afternoon at Arca South, Taguig City.
In a press briefing, PDEG chief Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay said the arrested officers were members of the Taguig City Police Station — one was assigned to Substation 9 and the other to the Investigation Detection and Management Service.
Ragay said the two officers were also involved in a robbery before the operation, targeting a PDEG asset and another individual.
“The suspects, riding in two motorcycles together with 2 other accomplices, arrived in the area and declared a holdup,” Ragay said, adding that the two officers were not part of the operation.
“The question is what were they doing [in that area] during that particular time. They are not designated drug operatives. One is a patroller, the other is under the follow-up investigation section,” he said.
The two officers also reportedly have records involving Violence Against Women and Children and reckless imprudence.
The Taguig City government condemned the involvement of police personnel and reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal drugs and misconduct in law enforcement.
“We commend the PNP for taking strong action. Efforts to cleanse the ranks are essential to maintaining the public’s trust,” Mayor Lani Cayetano said in a statement. (PNA)
