The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved a female police officer from her post and placed her under restrictive custody over her alleged role in the attempted smuggling of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu intercepted in Laos, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced in a statement.
The relief and restrictive custody of Police Executive Master Sergeant Aileen Jayne Manalo Mendoza of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) took effect on October 13, 2026, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
DILG Names 11 Persons of Interest
At a Malacañang press briefing on October 16, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla publicly identified Mendoza as one of 11 persons of interest in connection with the shipment. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has valued the intercepted narcotics at ₱3.54 billion.
Nartatez confirmed at the same briefing that Mendoza remains under restrictive custody at the Aviation Security Group compound. The PNP chief said the officer will face criminal and administrative charges only if evidence establishes her involvement, and that due process will be observed throughout the process.
Mendoza's Alleged Role: Securing the Manila Hangar
According to Remulla, Mendoza allegedly arranged access to the MAPTRA hangar in the General Aviation Area of the Manila Domestic Airport complex in Pasay City — the intended landing site for the drug-laden aircraft.
Remulla said Mendoza was contacted by Rioklyn Pizarras Toledo, alias "Boyet," a licensed pilot who was formerly employed by a major airline and was allegedly dismissed for a reputation involving drug dealing. Toledo is accused of procuring the aircraft and organizing its flight from Malaysia to Laos.
The DILG secretary further alleged that Rimbang paid Mendoza for the landing arrangements and the use of the private hangar, though no public statement from Mendoza or Rimbang had been issued as of press time.
Suspected Financier and Consignee Identified
The DILG named former Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament member Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang, alias "Sultan," as the suspected financier of the entire operation. Nartatez said Rimbang is believed to still be in the Philippines.
Abdulkarim Macalatas was identified as the consignee on record who was supposed to receive and distribute the shipment upon its arrival in Manila.
Chartered Learjet Seized at Luang Prabang Airport
Lao authorities seized the suspected shabu aboard a chartered Learjet 55 at Luang Prabang International Airport on October 1, 2026. The aircraft had arrived from Malaysia.
Remulla clarified that the plane never landed in or departed from the Philippines, and that the Manila landing would have been the flight's first attempt to enter the country. Authorities are still awaiting laboratory results from Laos to confirm the chemical nature of the seized substance.
Only One of 11 Persons of Interest in Custody
Of the 11 persons of interest named by the DILG, only Fahad Mulok Dibarosan — who was arrested in Laos — is currently in custody, according to Remulla. Nartatez noted that none of the persons of interest are currently listed as wanted persons in the Philippines.
Remulla said conspiracy charges may be filed against those involved even though the delivery did not ultimately push through.
PNP Vows Zero Tolerance on Drug Involvement
In its official statement, the PNP said it is actively cooperating with PDEA and other government agencies as part of an inter-agency task group formed to establish the facts, identify those allegedly involved, and determine the extent of each person's alleged participation.
The PNP stated it will not tolerate any involvement of its personnel in illegal drug activities, and that criminal and administrative proceedings will be pursued if evidence warrants, with all conclusions to be based on evidence and due process.
By the Numbers
- ₱3.54 billion — estimated street value of the intercepted shabu, according to PDEA
- 521 kilograms — weight of suspected shabu seized aboard the chartered aircraft
- 11 — total persons of interest named by the DILG in connection with the shipment
- 1 — number of persons of interest currently in custody (arrested in Laos)
- October 1, 2026 — date Lao authorities seized the drug-laden Learjet 55 at Luang Prabang International Airport
- October 13, 2026 — date Mendoza's relief and restrictive custody took effect
Why This Matters
The case represents one of the largest drug shipments linked to alleged PNP involvement in recent years, with the PDEA valuing the intercepted narcotics at ₱3.54 billion. The DILG's identification of a serving police officer as a key facilitator — accused of using her position to secure airport hangar access — raises serious concerns about law enforcement integrity in the Philippines' ongoing anti-drug campaign. With 10 of the 11 named persons of interest still at large, including the suspected financier believed to remain in the country, the investigation is far from concluded.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office