NBI files raps vs Nueva Vizcaya cops for evidence planting

Charges have been filed by the National Bureau of Investigation–Bayombong District Office (NBI-BAYDO) against six police officers of the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office for planting evidence.

The erring policemen were identified by NBI Director Jaime Santiago as PMaj. Santy C. Ventura, PMsg. Odra Noel R. Afalla, PCpl. Jeff Lloyd N. Apangchan, PCpl. Randy T. Agdeppa, Pat. John Michael C. Tangilan, and Police Officer Frederick Mariano.

The case stems from the acquittal of Freddie Mallari, who was the subject of fabricated evidence at a crime scene.

Evidence gathered by the NBI, along with findings of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 37, revealed that the firearms seized during a search warrant operation on 25 May 2024 were fabricated.

The court described one item as nothing more than a “metal scrap,” and in its judgment dated 28 April 2025, not only cleared Mallari of all charges but also condemned the officers’ conduct as a clear violation of his constitutional rights.

Based on the said findings and the NBI’s independent investigation, charges were filed on 29 July 2025 with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Nueva Vizcaya. The charges are for violation of Section 38 of Republic Act No. 10591 (Planting of Evidence), alongside provisions of the Revised Penal Code and other special laws addressing abuse of authority and obstruction of justice.

Santiago commended the NBI-BAYDO for solving the case, adding that abuse of authority by wrongly incriminating a person through the fabrication of false evidence has no place in law enforcement.