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Another cop in P6.7B drug sting surrenders

January 18, 2025 Alfred P. Dalizon 106 views

AN active police lieutenant became the 15th member of the police force already accounted for by the Philippine National Police after they were ordered arrested on non-bailable drug charges by a Manila court, the Journal Group learned on Saturday.

The officer assigned at the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Police Regional Office 1 surrendered to officers of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, said a report from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headed by Brigadier General Nicolas D. Torre III.

On Friday, the PNP-CIDG said it has already accounted for 14 out of the 28 PNP personnel ordered placed under arrest without bail for ‘planting of evidence’ under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 by Judge Gwyn P. Calina of the Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 44.

Ten of the 15 voluntarily surrendered while five were arrested. Fourteen others are still to be accounted by the police as of press time.

This as Manila Judge Danilo Leyve on Saturday dismissed the case filed against now retired Lieutenant General Benjamin Santos Jr. after finding “lack of probable cause” to directly implicate him to the controversial drug sting.

An ABC-CBN report said that Judge Leyve stated in his decision that while Santos’ presence at the raided establishment was confirmed at the footage, it does not “clearly and positively demonstrated that he participated, directed, authorized, or consented to the conduct of purported bogus hot pursuit operation against the top accused identified as Police Master Sergeant Rolando B. Mayo.

The 5 who were arrested are composed of 1 Police Executive Master Sergeant, a Police Senior Master Sergeant and three Patrolmen, all in the active service who were arrested in separate places in Pasay City and La Union, Batangas and Laguna provinces.

Those who have already surrendered include an already retired Lieutenant Colonel, an active Lt. Colonel, a Major, a Captain, two Lieutenants and the rest all Police Non-Commissioned Officers.

The 9 surrendered to different PNP-CIDG offices, the Manila Police District, the Quezon City Police District, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, the Batangas Police Provincial Office, the Alaminos Municipal Police Station in Laguna, the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and the PRO1.

Four of them including a Police Lieutenant turned themselves over to PNP-IMEG officials headed by Colonel Bonard D. Briton.

Judge Calina on Tuesday ordered the 29 PNP personnel to each post a P200,000 bail for their temporary liberty in connection with the case filed against them following the controversial 2022 anti-narcotics operation.

Five of the active policemen are assigned at the National Capital Region Police Office, 4 at the Police Regional Office 1, 2 in PRO4-A, 3 in PRO4-B, 1 in PRO7, 1 at the Civil Security Group and 3 at the Headquarters Support Service.

However, Journal Group sources said the accused decided not to post bail anymore since they expected the court to order their detention without bail.

Sources said that the PNP leadership plan is that once fully accounted, the 29 will be held at the maximum-security PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has issued clear directives to ensure accountabilities for all involved personnel, emphasizing the PNP’s commitment to combating misconduct within its ranks.

“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,” the top cop said.

To expedite the process, the PNP chief instructed the PNP Chief of Directorial Staff, Major Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo to form a dedicated Task Force to ensure the swift apprehension of all implicated individuals.

Concurrently, administrative cases will be 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, Gen. Marbil said.

“This initiative underscores the PNP’s unwavering commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against illegal activities while ensuring accountability, justice, and adherence to due process,” he added.

“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,” the PNP chief also said.

Gen. Marbil also urged the public to support their ongoing effort to cleanse their ranks and restore confidence in law enforcement.

“This operation serves as a clear message that the PNP will not tolerate any betrayal of the trust bestowed upon it by the Filipino people,” Gen. Marbil said.

PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo said that out of the 30 ordered charged in court by the Department of Justice, , two are already compulsorily retired from the force, one resigned, three optionally retired, two were dismissed while the remaining 22 are still active police personnel.

However, she maintained that the PNP will always respect the right of the accused to submit their counter-affidavits and give them the due process they deserve.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ C. Remulla said there would be a PNP-wide investigation on drug hauls beginning 2016 following the recent DOJ order to file criminal charges against the 30 in connection with the P6.7 billion drug haul.

However, Brig. Gen. Fajardo maintained that for the record, illegal schemes which took place during the previous administration including the alleged payment of ‘reward money’ for slain drug targets is not a norm in the PNP.

“Hindi po ito institutionalized. No Chief,PNP will allow it. No Chief,PNP in his right mind will allow the giving of reward para pumatay ng tao . Hindi po ito norm sa PNP and kung me allegations na similar sa 990 kilos, we are open to any investigation,” she said.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that although the PNP already has no jurisdiction over retired police personnel, they can still be criminally charged in court.

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