Two police officers from the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) have applied for leaves of absence pending the investigation of the case of a police sergeant who produced 990 kilos of shabu worth PHP6.7 billion in an operation in Manila last year.

Speaking to the media in Camp Crame on Wednesday, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) commander Col. Redrico Maranan identified the two officers as PDEG chief Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo and Col. Julian Olonan, chief of PDEG's Special Operations Unit (SOU) in Region 4A.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos previously stated that the policemen in question had one week to file their leave of absence or they would be suspended.

Maranan stated that the PNP welcomes the call for an investigation into these officers' alleged involvement in the cover-up operation.

On Tuesday, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. introduced Senate Resolution No. 564, directing the appropriate Senate committees to begin a parliamentary investigation into the incident.

Maranan also dismissed suspicions about PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.'s silence on the matter.

Domingo rejected any intention to conceal the seizure of PHP6.7 billion in shabu during an anti-drug operation in Manila City in October 2022 on Tuesday.

Domingo stated that he will comply with Abalos' instruction to register his leave of absence in order to facilitate the inquiry into the situation.

Meanwhile, the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency destroyed 990 kilograms of shabu in Trece Martires City, Cavite, on March 26.