Are Cordilleran police still among “the most disciplined cops” in the country?

Baguio City, Philippines - The Cordillera Regional Police has long been recognized as one of the most disciplined units within the Philippine National Police (PNP), proudly bearing the title as one of "the most disciplined cops” among Regional PNP offices in the country.

Said title was bestowed to the Police Regional Office–Cordillera based on the assessment conducted by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)  on the professionalism of the country’s police force.

Baguio City Police involved in illegal drugs

However, a recent anti-illegal drugs operation in Baguio City, where a police officer was involved, has tainted that reputation, leading to mixed public opinions.

On March 25, 2025, anti-narcotics operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and PRO-CAR conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City.

The operation resulted in the seizure of an estimated P136 million worth of suspected shabu from four individuals, of which one of the suspects was identified by the authorities as a 45-year-old police officer assigned at Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).

Public views on Cordilleran cops

With the incident, a regional media outlet (Regional News Group Luzon) conducted personal interviews with the residents to gather their opinions on whether Cordillera cops still deserve their acclaimed title despite one of them having been involved in the crime.

During the interviews, some respondents voiced their worries about the situation, mentioning that it is troubling when those responsible for enforcing the law are the ones violating it.

For the others, nevertheless, they defended the integrity of the Cordillera police force, emphasizing that one incident should not define the whole unit.

“ …yong pamumuno ng mga pulis (in Cordillera), compared to Manila police, they are very disciplined…Kasi sa Manila brutal,” one of the respondents commented.

What is Baguio City Police Office doing to address the situation?

As for the BCPO, the agency said they have intensified its internal investigations to ensure accountability and transparency within its ranks.

Police Major Marcy Grace Marron, BCPO Public Information Officer, stated in an interview that immediate actions were taken following the said incident.

“Right after the buy-bust operation, nagkaroon tayo ng unity walk…After the unity walk, nagkaroon tayo ng surprise drug test sa mga ating mga personnel… Luckily naman walang nag-positive,” the officer shared.

In addition to drug testing, Marron said they have also implemented preventive measures, requiring all officers to sign a certificate pledging not to engage in any illegal activities.

“ Continues po nating pinapaalalahan ang mga personnel ng BCPO na not to engage in any illegal activities, “ she added.