In a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the mishandling of a PHP6.7 billion drug seizure, the Manila Regional Trial Court entered a not guilty plea for former Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. on Monday. Mayo, who was dismissed from service, declined to enter a plea himself, referencing a pending motion to quash the charges against him. The incident in question involved a drug bust in Tondo, Manila, in October 2022, where over 900 kilograms of shabu were allegedly seized. Mayo, once an intelligence officer with the Philippine National Police’s Drug Enforcement Group, is one of 29 policemen implicated in the case. During the arraignment, which was conducted via videoconference at Manila RTC Branch 175, other defendants entered not guilty pleas through their legal representatives. The court has scheduled a pretrial hearing for February 14. Additionally, the court addressed various motions from the accused, including requests for detention at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame and a transfer to the PNP General Hospital for Patrolman James Osalvo due to medical issues stemming from an accident. Arrest warrants have been issued for the suspects with no bail recommended, as they face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for alleged evidence planting and delays in prosecuting the drug cases.
Manila Court Enters Not Guilty Plea for Ex-Police Sergeant in Major Drug Case
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