Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — Authorities have arrested a police anti-drug operative during a buy-bust operation in Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.
Police Staff Sergeant Ed Dyson Banaag, who is currently assigned at the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group, initially tried to flee after he was apprehended in Sta. Cruz Monday night, according to the PNP.
Recovered from him were around 25 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱170,000, marked money used in the transaction, a service firearm, and a PNP identification card.
The PNP said the operation is in line with its internal cleansing campaign, as authorities keep watch on members suspected to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Ating kasamahan [na] hindi magbabago at patuloy na ie-engage ‘yung sarili nila sa illegal drug activities ay aming huhulihin, kakasuhan, at ikukulong. Kasama na dito ang pagdismiss sa serbisyo sa lalong madaling panahon,” PNP PIO chief Police Colonel Red Maranan told reporters.
[Translation: Our colleagues who won’t change and will continue to engage in illegal drug activities will be apprehended, charged, and arrested. We will also dismiss them from the service as soon as possible.]
Earlier this month, over 900 full colonels and generals of the PNP were urged to submit courtesy resignations as the government aims to rid the ranks of drug ties. A committee will be formed to review their records to determine possible involvement.
