Metro Manila police director, Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has pledged to crack down on any misconduct by police officers, following the arrest of a policeman who went AWOL and was involved in drug trafficking.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old McNeil Bagunu, who was previously stationed at the National Police Training Institute (NPTI), was apprehended during a buy-bust operation at Purok-2 Formost Street in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City at around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday.
The police operation was carried out after a confidential informant provided information about Bagunu’s illicit drug activities.
A joint team from the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) and Station Intelligence Section personnel of Parañaque City Police Station (CPS) conducted the entrapment and arrested Bagunu while he was in the act of selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative.
Confiscated from the suspect were four plastic sachets containing 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000.00, as well as a caliber .45 pistol, one magazine, and ammunition.
“The arrested suspect tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu, during the initial screening test,” the NCRPO reported.
The pieces of evidence were taken to the Parañaque City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, while complaints for violation of Section 5 & 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” and R.A. 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunitions) are being prepared against the suspect.
Nartatez emphasized the importance of integrity within the police force and cautioned other police officers.
“This is a clear warning to all NCRPO cops who are involved, or planning to be involved in illegal activities. I will never tolerate any nefarious acts under my watch. NCRPO is committed to upholding and maintaining the highest standards of conduct within the police force,” he stated.