MANILA – A retired police general, implicated in the mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug seizure in Manila last October, has departed the Philippines, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The confirmation came during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, where PNP spokesperson and Police Regional Office-Central Luzon chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo disclosed that the officer had left the country on January 8, prior to the issuance of an arrest warrant against him and 28 others. The charges stem from violations of Section 92 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which pertains to delays and mishandling in drug case prosecutions.
Fajardo emphasized the importance of allowing legal processes to unfold, noting that all involved were former PNP members who should be familiar with these procedures. Additionally, the officers face charges under Section 29 of the drug law for allegedly planting evidence.
Currently, nine of the accused remain at large, including four active police officers, three retirees, one who resigned, and one who was dismissed. Fajardo mentioned that prosecutors are likely to request a hold departure order to prevent these individuals from leaving the country.
In discussions with Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre, the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Fajardo learned that no surrender offers have been received, but efforts are ongoing to locate these nine individuals.
Arrest warrants were issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branches 175 and 44 against the 29 officers, linked to accusations of evidence tampering and mishandling of prosecutions during an anti-drug operation. The PNP has established Task Force 29 to pursue these officers.