Philippine National Police Urges Fugitive Ex-Chief to Surrender in Major Drug Case

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a stern call for a former high-ranking official, implicated in the mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug seizure in Manila, to turn himself in and confront the legal charges against him. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the PNP spokesperson, made this appeal following claims by the fugitive, Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, that corrupt police officers manipulating government officials were orchestrating the case against him. Domingo, who once led the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, released a 16-minute video on his Facebook page from an unknown location, calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to investigate the matter. He had previously overseen an operation that resulted in the seizure of 990 kg of shabu and the arrest of a corrupt anti-narcotics officer, S/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., in October 2022. Fajardo emphasized the importance of respecting the law, noting that Domingo and others had been given opportunities to respond to the allegations before charges were filed. She highlighted that three cases have been filed so far, including one under Section 92 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for mishandling drug cases. Domingo is one of eight police personnel currently being pursued in connection with this case. Fajardo urged all involved to surrender and face the judicial process, stating it would be in their best interest. Additionally, another officer, Sgt. Arnold Tibay, was arrested on January 31. The involvement of police in the alleged cover-up was first disclosed by former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos in April 2023, based on findings from the Department of Justice and the National Police Commission. Abalos stressed the importance of the investigation, asserting that if the accused were innocent, this would have been evident, and if guilty, they would face consequences. He affirmed that due process was followed and all accused would have their day in court. Arrest warrants have been issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branches 175 and 44 against 29 active and former police officers linked to the alleged planting of evidence and mishandling of the drug operation.