In a significant development following the October 2022 seizure of PHP6.7 billion worth of shabu in Manila’s Tondo district, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed 22 active-duty officers under restrictive custody. These officers are among the 30 accused of participating in a ‘grand conspiracy’ related to the drug bust. The remaining accused include two who have retired, three who opted for optional retirement, one who resigned, and two who were dismissed from service.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced the decision during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, stating that the officers were disarmed and placed under restrictive custody on the orders of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. Fajardo emphasized that, like any citizen, these officers have the right to present counter-evidence to defend themselves, a right respected by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The PNP’s commitment to rooting out illegal activities within its ranks was reiterated by Fajardo, who noted that no PNP chief would tolerate such schemes, regardless of the administration in power. The crackdown has seen personnel dismissed across various ranks.
High-ranking officials implicated in the charges include Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former director of the Drug Enforcement Unit. Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. had previously disclosed that video footage from the operation showed senior police officials present, leading to the arrest of dismissed M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others.
Abalos also revealed that some officers had removed 42 kg of shabu before the inventory of the 990 kg of seized drugs, as seen in security footage. The stolen drugs were later recovered.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed to prosecute the implicated officers vigorously to uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system. During a press briefing by the Presidential Communications Office, Remulla highlighted the essential partnership between prosecutors and police in maintaining the rule of law, stressing that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the majority of dedicated officers.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon expressed confidence in the strength of the case against the 30 officers, suggesting a high likelihood of conviction.