The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 175 acquitted over 20 cops facing charges for planting evidence related to the Mayo drug case in 2022.

In a resolution dated September 15, 2025, the Manila RTC Branch 175 ruled that the facts averred in the original information on the case failed to establish that the individuals did commit such an act.

Moreover, it was also unable to verify that the planting of evidence was “done for the purpose of implicating, incriminating or imputing criminal liability to the said innocent individual,” which, the Manila RTC said, are both essential elements of the offense charged.

The prosecution then submitted a compliance (with attached amended information), dated June 18, 2025, which ostensibly excludes PMSG. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. as one of the accused in the case. Mayo previously worked for the Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group’s (PNP) Special Operations Unit - National Capital Region.

With this, the Manila Court ordered the immediate release of over 20 cops in custody of the Chief of the PNP Custodial Center (PNPCC) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The court requires the PNPCC to inform them of the date of the cops’ release within five days thereof.

In addition, the court ordered the Jail Warden of the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Taguig City to immediately release PMSG. Mayo from their custody, unless he is being held for some other lawful cause aside from the said case. The Jail Warden of the MMDJ was also ordered to inform the Court of the date of release within five days thereof.

Mayo, along with several individuals, was implicated during an operation conducted by the PDEG in 2022. During this, authorities nabbed two kilograms of shabu worth ₱13.6 million, linking them to an illegal drug trade.

A month later, the PNP announced that 10 PDEG personnel, including Mayo, were relieved from their posts.