Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday reminded police officers of their vital role as partners of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in upholding the rule of law.
In a statement, Remulla emphasized that the alliance between prosecutors and police is a key foundation of the country’s justice system, with both relying on each other to fulfill their mandates.
“Hence, we must not let a few misguided cops remain in service so as not to negatively influence the majority of our police force who are faithful to their sworn mandates," Remulla underscored.
Remulla also vowed that the DOJ would go "all-out" in prosecuting 30 police officers accused of planting and bungling evidence in one of the country’s largest drug hauls, involving P6.7 billion worth of shabu.
The DOJ, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), revealed the official findings of their investigation, which has led to a case being filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The case will undergo a comprehensive review to ensure strong, airtight charges against the accused officers.
Once all matters are carefully reviewed and re-evaluated, the preliminary investigation of the 30 accused police officers will commence.
Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez said they may be initiating the criminal cases in due time.
On the other hand, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said that based on available evidence, developments in the case and consistency in the findings of the DOJ, NAPOLCOM and CIDG, the case for planting and bungling of evidence against the 30 police officers are strong enough to warrant a conviction.
Fadullon said the DOJ is also considering the withdrawal of the initial drug charges filed in connection with the P6.7-billion massive shabu seizure in view of the irregularities in the evidence and testimonies provided by the unscrupulous police officers.
"We believe and we are seriously considering the possibility of withdrawing these cases because it would now appear that these cases were filed based on false allegations and fallacious evidence," Fadullon said.
He emphasized on the importance of knowing the whereabouts of the 30 erring policemen charged before the court to speed up the processing of the cases against them once the warrants are available.