A police officer in Talisay City, Cebu has been pulled from frontline duty after a viral social media video showed him offering cash rewards to anyone who could turn over alleged drug users, drug pushers, and even loose firearms.
In the clip, the officer reportedly promised ₱2,000 for bringing in a suspected drug user and ₱5,000 for a street-level drug pusher. He was also heard offering payment for unregistered firearms, with the amount depending on the weapon’s condition and caliber.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the conduct seen in the video violates official procedures.
“Wala ‘yan sa Police Operational Procedure and so the ACG and the DIDM now conducts appropriate investigation for the act that he commits,” Nartatez stressed.
PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño confirmed the content came from the officer’s personal account, adding it had been deleted after orders from his superior.
“Ngayon, sa kautusan ng ating Chief PNP, pinag-e-explain ‘yung tao ngayon, pati ‘yung kanyang Chief of Police,” Tuaño said.
He noted the Anti-Cybercrime Group has secured the footage for forensic review.
“Magiging dire-diretso ‘yung kanilang digital investigation para kung ano ang karapat-dapat na ikaso doon sa ating police officer,” he added.
Authorities said the act violates the Police Operational Procedure, which officials describe as the essential guide for all police operations.
“Kung nais mong ipatupad, ay susundin mo ‘yung POP at malinaw na malinaw ‘yung kanyang ginawa ay wala sa POP,” an official emphasized.
While the officer reportedly intended the videos for personal engagement, police leadership called the behavior “inappropriate and inconsistent” with professional standards, especially amid the country’s anti-drug campaign. He has since been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The PNP reminded its ranks to observe strict rules on online conduct, whether for work or personal use.
“Ang PNP po ay may panuntunan sa pagpapalabas ng mga content… Ito ‘yung guidelines upang hindi maligaw ang lahat ng miyembro ng Philippine National Police na nagco-content o nagiging pong vlogger,” Tuaño said.
