Nartatez orders NCRPO to probe 'irregularities' in MPD's anti-drug operations
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: PNP)
The alleged lapses in the anti-illegal drug operations of the Manila Police District (MPD) have come to the attention of the Philippine National Police (PNP), prompting acting national police chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to direct the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to conduct a thorough investigation.
Nartatez gave the order on Friday, Sept. 19, after learning that up to 11 operatives of the MPD’s Drug Enforcement Unit face administrative charges that include grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer before the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Charged were a police major, a police senior master sergeant, two police master sergeants, four police staff sergeants, a police corporal, and two patrolmen.
The charges stemmed from the complaint of two delivery riders who claimed they were illegally arrested, beaten, threatened, and robbed of cash, valuables, and a motorcycle by the Manila cops during an anti-illegal drug operation in Sampaloc, Manila on September 9, 2025.
“We will not tolerate wrongdoing in our ranks. An investigation is underway, and those found guilty will face due process and appropriate charges,” Nartatez said, stressing his order to the NCRPO to cooperate with the probe of the Napolcom.
Based on the initial investigation, one of the two delivery riders managed to escape the arresting Manila cops and sought the help of the Napolcom while the other one was freed by the court due to a lack of evidence.
As part of corrective measures, Nartatez has directed a comprehensive review of the MPD-DEU’s operations, including financial and case audits.
He also ordered all regional and district drug enforcement units nationwide to strictly observe the PNP’s policy of zero tolerance for misconduct.
Nartatez assured the public that the anti-drug campaign will continue with transparency, discipline, and integrity.
“This shows our resolve to cleanse our ranks. Our anti-drug campaign will continue with transparency and discipline, and relief of personnel remains an option to ensure the integrity of the investigation,” he said.
“The Filipino people deserve a police force that upholds the law with honor and integrity. Any breach of that trust will be dealt with decisively. There is no place in the PNP for those who betray their badge. We will continue to fight illegal drugs, but we will also cleanse our ranks of rogue cops,” he added.
The MPD has relieved all the 19-member MPD-DEU as part of its internal probe while the accused officers were transferred to the NCRPO headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.