10 cops in P6.7B drug haul in custody

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has accounted for 10 of the 29 active and former policemen ordered arrested by a Manila court over their alleged involvement in the “staged” seizure of 990 kilos of shabu worth P6.7 billion in 2022.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said Thursday that eight of the 10 cops were still on active duty while the other two had optionally retired.

“Nine were arrested while the other one surrendered,” Fajardo told reporters. Four of the 10 cops are now in the custody of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

The cops were identified as retired Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibañez, Major Michael Angelo Salmingo, Captain Randolf Angel Piñon, retired Lt. Silverio Bulleser II, Executive Master Sergeant Emmanuel Docena, Staff Sergeant Alejandro Flores, Patrolmen Darius Camacho, Patrolman James Gabuat Osalvo, Patrolman Nathaniel de la Cuesta Go and Patrolman Windel de Ramos.

Fajardo said the PNP is still accounting for 12 policemen who are on active duty status. Each of the accused faces a recommended bail of P200,000.

“The efforts of the task force created to account for and arrest these police officers — both active and optionally retired and dismissed — will continue to ensure that we can submit them to the jurisdiction of the court,” Fajardo said.

The PNP earlier confirmed that some 30 police officers were facing charges after being implicated in the planting of evidence, delaying and blundering the prosecution of drug cases since 2016.