The Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken immediate action by relieving a female officer from duty and placing her under restrictive custody due to her alleged involvement in a significant drug trafficking case linked to Laos. This decision was officially announced by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez on October 13, 2026, aiming to ensure a fair investigation as the details surrounding the case unfold.
The officer, identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza, is one of several persons of interest in an operation that resulted in the seizure of 521 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine) in Laos. This substantial drug haul is believed to have been intended for distribution in the Philippines. The investigation has spurred collaborative efforts between the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to uncover critical information regarding the operation.
According to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the investigation involves a total of eleven individuals, including a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament. Remulla has described the intricate network of individuals tied to this drug operation and has identified Edriezan Hadji Nasser Rimbang as the primary financier behind the shipment.
The shabu shipment originated from the Golden Triangle—a notorious region recognized globally for its large scale illicit drug production. Following a Filipino's arrest in Laos during operations labeled 'Fajad,' the task force was instigated, leading to the mapping of connections among those allegedly involved in this high-stakes trafficking scheme.
Gen. Nartatez emphasized the PNP's zero-tolerance policy concerning the involvement of any personnel in illegal drug activities. He reiterated that police officers hold a fundamental duty to uphold the law and protect the public, a commitment that must be honored without compromise. Consequently, should evidence confirm the officer's participation in illicit dealings, severe criminal and administrative actions will be taken as mandated by law.
In addition, the PNP has clarified that the ongoing investigation is grounded strictly in factual evidence, stating firmly that there is "no politics" influencing the proceedings. This announcement underlines the PNP's commitment to maintaining integrity within its ranks as it navigates through the complexities of this significant drug bust investigation.