A COURT has ordered the arrest of 29 active and former police officers charged over the alleged mishandling of the PHP6.7 billion drug haul in October 2022 in Manila.
"The bail for the release of the accused is fixed at PHP200,000 each," Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 44 Judge Gwyn Calina said in the order issued on Jan. 14.
The order likewise "required to use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording devices" in the execution of the warrant pursuant to a 2021 resolution by the Supreme Court.
Of the 29, 22 still on active duty have already been placed under restrictive custody, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has instructed Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, chief of the Directorial Staff, to form a dedicated Task Force to ensure the swift apprehension of all implicated individuals.
In a statement, Marbil said administrative cases will be concurrently pursued to hold active personnel accountable, ensuring they face appropriate sanctions, including dismissal, and are made to answer for their actions under the full extent of the law.
“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,” he said.
“We assure the public that justice will be served. Those responsible for tarnishing the PNP’s reputation will be held accountable both criminally and administratively,” Marbil added.
The PNP chief also urged the public to support its efforts to cleanse its ranks and restore confidence in law enforcement.
Included in the charges are Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former Drug Enforcement Unit director.
Their alleged violations include the planting of evidence and the delay and bungling in the prosecution of the drug cases.
Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. previously revealed that ranking police officials were seen in the video footage of the operation in Tondo district, which led to the arrest of dismissed M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others.
Abalos said some police officers took 42 kg. of shabu before the inventory of the confiscated 990 kg. of illegal drugs, based on security footage. The stolen shabu was later recovered. (Benjamin Pulta with Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
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