In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug seizure in Tondo, Manila, the Manila Regional Trial Court has issued a hold departure order against 30 police officers. The order, detailed in an 11-page document from Manila RTC Branch 44, was issued in response to a motion by the prosecution, highlighting the risk of the accused fleeing the country due to the severity of the charges and their financial means to escape.
The Bureau of Immigration has been tasked with enforcing this travel ban. Among those affected by the order are high-ranking officials such as Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., previously the deputy chief for operations, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former director of the Drug Enforcement Unit. Also named is dismissed intelligence officer M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., identified as a key figure in the botched drug operation.
It has been confirmed that a retired police general implicated in the case has already left the Philippines. Of the 30 officers targeted by the HDO, 29 remain active in service, excluding Mayo. Earlier, Manila RTC Branches 175 and 44 had issued arrest warrants for these 29 officers, setting bail at PHP200,000 each.
Mayo has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include allegations of planting evidence and delaying the prosecution process. Security footage revealed that police officials had removed 42 kg of shabu before the inventory of the 990 kg of seized illegal drugs, though the stolen drugs were later recovered.