‘Staged’ Tondo drug bust pursued — Napolcom

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Friday reiterated its role in the “zealous” investigation of 30 police officers implicated in the “staged” P6.7-billion drug bust in Tondo, Manila, in October 2022.

Former Napolcom vice chairperson Alberto Bernardo told DAILY TRIBUNE that the commission immediately launched a thorough investigation after the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Tondo.

During the operation, authorities discovered identifications, belongings, and “incriminating documents” belonging to an active police officer.

The incident sparked a scandal after police officer Rodolfo Mayo Jr. was arrested in connection with the case. Former Interior and Local Government Secretary and then-Napolcom chief Benhur Abalos later claimed that police generals and other high-ranking officers were allegedly involved in a “massive attempt” to cover up Mayo’s arrest.

Bernardo said the Napolcom Fact Finding Committee, established through Resolution No. 2023-0379, conducted its investigation from 3 April to 19 April 2023. The en banc approved the findings on 8 May 2023 and referred the case to the Department of Justice on 20 July 2023.

“It only reached the National Prosecution Service in mid-December 2023,” Bernardo said.

“The records will show that Napolcom expedited the fact-finding investigation and referral to the DoJ, contrary to allegations,” he added.