MANILA – A Manila court has issued arrest warrants for 29 current and former police officers implicated in the mishandling of a PHP6.7 billion drug seizure that occurred in October 2022. Judge Gwyn Calina of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 44 set the bail at PHP200,000 per accused in the order dated January 14. The court also mandated the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices during the execution of these warrants, following a 2021 Supreme Court resolution.
Of the 29 officers, 22 who are still active have been placed under restrictive custody, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP). PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, head of the Directorial Staff, to establish a special Task Force aimed at the rapid arrest of all involved parties.
Marbil emphasized that administrative actions will be pursued alongside criminal charges to ensure accountability among active personnel, potentially leading to their dismissal and legal repercussions. He stated, “There will be no mercy for wrongdoings by our personnel. This action underscores our commitment to rooting out corruption and preserving public trust in the PNP.”
The PNP chief assured the public of justice and accountability for those who have damaged the PNP’s reputation, both criminally and administratively. He also called on the public to support the PNP’s efforts to purge its ranks and rebuild trust in law enforcement.
Among those charged are Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former director of the Drug Enforcement Unit. They are accused of planting evidence and causing delays and mishandling in the prosecution of drug cases.
Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. had previously disclosed that senior police officials were captured on video during the operation in Tondo district, which resulted in the arrest of dismissed M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others. Abalos noted that some officers removed 42 kg of shabu before the inventory of the 990 kg of seized drugs, as seen on security footage. The stolen drugs were eventually recovered.