THE Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that arrest warrants have been issued against 29 active and former police officers allegedly involved in the mishandling of a ₱6.7 billion drug haul in Manila in October 2022.
PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil has established a task force to apprehend those implicated, according to a statement from the organization.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously announced a PNP-wide investigation into drug operations dating back to 2016, following the decision to file criminal charges against 30 officers linked to the controversial 2022 drug haul.
A panel of prosecutors has filed charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against the involved officers, including two high-ranking police generals.
The alleged violations include planting evidence and delays in prosecuting the drug cases.
Among the 30 implicated personnel, the PNP reported that 22 are still in active service, while two have retired, three opted for early retirement, one resigned, and two were dismissed.
General Marbil has ordered the restrictive custody of the 22 active officers, with administrative cases also being pursued, potentially leading to their dismissal.
“There will be no mercy when it comes to wrongdoings committed by our personnel. This decisive action demonstrates our commitment to eradicating corruption and maintaining public trust in the PNP,” Marbil said.
He assured the public that justice will prevail and those tarnishing the organization’s reputation will face criminal and administrative accountability.
The case centers on dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested during a drug operation in 2022 when authorities confiscated 990 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at over ₱6.7 billion.
Mayo, an intelligence officer with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, was dismissed from service on March 21, 2023, for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Prosecutors revealed that the operation against Mayo involved a fabricated hot pursuit, during which he was allegedly caught with two kilograms of shabu at Quezon Bridge.
“This was merely concocted and staged to remedy the previous botched anti-drugs operation against Mayo after realizing that he must not be set free,” the panel stated in its resolution.