Warrants lodged vs. 29 active, ex-policemen over Mayo drug case

Arrest warrants have been issued against 29 active and former police officers linked in the supposed mishandling of the P6.7 billion drug haul in Manila in October 2022, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

The warrants of arrest were issued by Judge Gwyn Calina of Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in the National Capital Judicial Region, for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered a task force to prompt the apprehension of all those implicated cops. 

“There will be no mercy when it comes to wrongdoings committed by our personnel. This decisive action demonstrates our commitment to eradicating corruption and maintaining public trust in the PNP,” Marbil said. 

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said 22 of the 30 implicated personnel remained active in service.

While two cops have retired, three of them opted for early retirement, one has resigned, and two have already been dismissed.

Fajardo said active policemen concurrently face administrative cases.

“Ensuring they face appropriate sanctions, including dismissal, and are made to answer for their actions under the full extent of the law,” she told reporters. 

Further, Marbil warned those responsible for “tarnishing the PNP’s reputation will be held accountable both criminally and administratively."

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the PNP-wide investigation will be launched over drug hauls since 2016 following the order to file criminal charges against these 30 cops linked to the controversial drug haul in 2022. 

In May last year, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous probed the operating syndicate behind the distribution of 990 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine or shabu worth P6.7 billion before it was hauled in October 2022 in a drug operation. 

At the committee's inquiry, the Senate panel discovered the alleged involvement of high-ranking PNP officials and other officers in the “big-time” Manila Drug Buy Bust.