Cops involved in 2022 drug bust under restrictive custody

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday disclosed that the 22 police officers still on active duty who were charged in connection with the October 2022 multi-billion peso drug bust in Manila have been placed under restrictive custody.

In a statement, the PNP said that of the 30 police officers accused of involvement in the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Tondo district, two have retired, three availed of optional retirement, one resigned from the service and two were dismissed.

“Before this press briefing, I asked the chief PNP (Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil) for guidance regarding the 22 active personnel. He instructed his staff to place them under restrictive custody and disarm them,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.

“Just like any ordinary citizen, these police officers as respondents also have the right to submit counter-evidence to prove their innocence. The Department of Justice (DoJ) also respects these rights,” she added. “We support this investigation and whatever the findings of our Department of Justice, we would respect the results.”

Fajardo also stressed that the PNP’s leadership is committed to addressing illegal activities within its ranks.

“No chief PNP will allow this illegal scheme, whether in the previous or present administration. We have dismissed many personnel, regardless of rank,” Fajardo said.

Among those charged are Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former Drug Enforcement Unit director.

Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. previously revealed that ranking police officials were seen in video footage of the operation, which led to the arrest of dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others.

Abalos said some police officers removed 42 kilograms of shabu from the seized 990 kilograms of illegal drugs before the official inventory. The stolen shabu was later recovered.

This incident highlighted concerns about corruption and misconduct within the police force and underscored the need for greater accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations.