MANILA – A former high-ranking police official implicated in the mishandling of a PHP6.7 billion drug seizure in 2022 has returned to the Philippines and surrendered to law enforcement, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., who previously served as the PNP’s deputy chief for operations, was taken into custody upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 4:48 a.m. on Tuesday. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed that Santos was processed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and released on bail of PHP200,000 by 9:12 a.m. the same day. Santos is one of 29 current and former PNP officers targeted by a Manila court for their roles in a botched anti-drug operation. CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III noted that Santos had previously indicated his intention to surrender and sought help with his bail. Upon his arrival, Santos, accompanied by his lawyer, surrendered at RTC Branch 44 in Manila, where his bail was processed, leading to his temporary release. Torre also mentioned that seven of the 29 officers, including former Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, are still at large. Efforts are underway to locate these individuals, with tracker teams deployed. Domingo, who oversaw the operation that resulted in the seizure of 990 kg of shabu and the arrest of dismissed S/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. in October 2022, has publicly called for presidential intervention in their case. Both Domingo and the other six fugitives are subject to a Hold Departure Order, preventing them from leaving the country. The officers face charges under Section 92 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for mishandling drug case prosecutions, a bailable offense, and under Section 29 for planting evidence, a non-bailable offense.
Retired Police General Involved in P6.7 Billion Drug Case Turns Himself In
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