BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
The Cordillera police force has long carried the distinction of being the “most disciplined cops” in the country.
But that reputation has recently come under scrutiny following the arrest of a Baguio City police officer in a major anti-drug operation last week.
In a joint buy-bust operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), authorities seized over 136 million pesos worth of shabu.
The involvement of a local police officer in the illegal drug trade has sparked public concern and doubt over the integrity of the region’s law enforcers.
Pedro Fernandez, a local resident, expressed dismay over the incident, saying it eroded trust in the very people who should be leading the anti-drug campaign. “It’s not right. People will start to lose trust in them,” he said.
However, not everyone shares the same view. Some residents believe the incident should not taint the entire police force. Julie Anne Salsagan, another Baguio resident, said, “Compared to Manila, the Cordillera police are more disciplined. Police in Manila are often more aggressive, based on what I’ve seen.”
In response to the controversy, the Baguio City Police Office has intensified efforts to ensure integrity within its ranks. Public Information Officer PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron said the BCPO immediately conducted a surprise drug test on personnel from Stations 5 and 10 following a unity walk, with all officers testing negative.
The police also require officers to sign certifications declaring their commitment not to engage in illegal activities. PMaj. Marron emphasized that these efforts are part of a continuous campaign to uphold discipline and weed out corrupt members.
According to recent data, from April 2024 to February 2025, 753 police officers were dismissed from service nationwide.
Of these, 493 were for AWOL violations, 38 for drug-related offenses, and 18 for involvement in robbery or extortion. Others faced charges for various forms of misconduct.
As for the case in question, the PDEA is still conducting a deeper investigation to determine the origin of the confiscated drugs and the full extent of the police officer’s involvement.
