The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed 22 active-duty police officers under restrictive custody and ordered their disarmament due to charges filed against them in connection with the controversial P6.7 billion drug bust in October 2022.
PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the disarmament of the police officers who are among the 30 charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to PRO-3 Regional Director and Concurrent Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, Marbil place the officers under restrictive custody while awaiting the issuance of arrest warrants from the court.
"Nagbigay na po siya ng instruction po sa kanyang staff po na i-under restrictive custody na po itong 22 na active PNP personnel at disarmahan na po pending the possible issuance po ng warrant of arrest," Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.
"Dahil po sa ordinaryong mamamayan, ang pulis din naman po bilang respondents, ay mayroon din po silang karapatan na mag-sumite po ng mga kontra-ebidensya," she added.
In response, Fajardo assured the PNP's cooperation with the DOJ.
Of the 30 individuals accused in the P6.7 billion shabu seizure in Tondo, Manila, two have retired, three opted for early retirement, one resigned, and two were dismissed.
Under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022, the case stemmed from the DOJ's discovery of falsified documents and an attempted cover-up during the arrest of PMSgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., where 990 kilograms of suspected shabu were seized.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla asserts that this case is likely tied to a PNP syndicate that may have allegedly abused the reward system in place during the previous administration.
