The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has approved the promotion of six personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their role in the confiscation of P5.6 billion worth of shabu in a raid in Bulacan two months ago.
Promoted to the next rank were Police Lt. Hazel S. Mabilin, Police Senior Master Sgt. Christopher B. Buenafe, Police Staff Sgt. Eduardo N. Dolleton, Police Staff Sgt. Lorenzo S. Catarata, Police Staff Sgt. Elfvin Z. Siriban and Police Corporal Paulo Levin A. Nerviza, all members of the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer (VCEO) Vitaliano N. Aguirre II said the promotion was in recognition of the hard work of the six PDEG operatives during a series of casing, surveillance operations, and eventual buy-bust operation that they were able to discover and neutralize the drug syndicate of Yuwen Cai alias “Tatang” who is a Chinese National.
"Through efficient planning and precise execution, the team of PLT Mabilin infiltrated and discovered the safe houses/hideouts of the said drug syndicate and seized 827 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated value of Php 5,630,400,600.00," said Aguirre in a statement.
The operation was conducted in Marilao town on June 2.
Aguirre explained that what the six PDEG operatives did was a rare in the history of drugs operation conducted by police operatives to confiscate and/or seize billions of pesos worth of shabu from a drug syndicate.
"As such, it epitomizes the strength of a police officer’s character, one that is worthy of emulation and has brought honor and prestige to the entire Philippine National Police," he said.
Under Section 38 (b) of RA 6975, as amended by Section 33 (b) of RA 8551, any uniformed member of the PNP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank, provided, that such acts shall be validated by the Commission based on established criteria.