Court enters not guilty plea for cops in ‘staged’ sting ops

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 175 arraigned police officers accused of staging a drug bust that yielded over 900 kilograms of shabu worth an estimated P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila.

P/MSG Rodolfo Mayo and several co-accused, through their lawyers, pleaded not guilty to the charges. They cited pending motions to quash the charges and arrest warrants.

Other respondents formally pleaded not guilty.

The court set the pre-trial hearing for 14 February and it is also considering requests from some of the accused to be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

The accused face two separate cases stemming from the controversial anti-drug operation.

Aside from the ongoing trial at Branch 175, a second case for alleged mishandling of the investigation is being handled by Branch 44.

Branch 175 previously issued arrest warrants for the suspects with no bail recommended, given the severity of the charges.

The court dismissed charges against former Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr. for lack of probable cause.

However, Santos is still facing charges in Branch 44 for alleged mishandling of the investigation under Section 92 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This case is bailable, with bail set at P200,000 per respondent.

Mayo has been ordered detained at the Manila City Jail.