Philippine Highway Patrol Group personnel relieved after Bulacan raid

Thirteen members of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), including the National Capital Region chief, Col. Joey Tomas Caise, have been administratively relieved following a confrontation with Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The incident occurred when armed HPG operatives, reportedly in civilian clothing, raided a warehouse during a legitimate BOC operation to incinerate seized smuggled cigarettes. The HPG personnel allegedly prevented BOC staff from destroying the contraband at gunpoint. While the HPG claimed the raid was a mistake caused by operational confusion regarding the target location, the BOC described the uncoordinated action as “unacceptable.”

PNP-HPG Director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan ordered the relief to ensure an impartial investigation. While Col. Caise has been reassigned to Camp Crame, 12 subordinates, including Lt. Col. Carlo Carreon Lonosa, have been placed on “floating” status. Authorities are investigating whether the raid was a genuine error or an attempt to retrieve contraband.