Philippine National Police - Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) Director Narciso Domingo will file a leave of absence amid a pending investigation on his alleged involvement in the "cover-up" in the drug case of Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo last year.
In a press conference at Camp Crame on Tuesday, Domingo said he will heed to Interior Secretary Benajmin 'Benhur' Abalos' call to take a leave from their posts in a bid to not influence the probe.
"I informed the personnel that I will be complying with the order of the Chief and my deputy will be the officer-in-charge," he said.
On Monday, Abalos showed to the media a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of a drug bust last Oct. 8, 2022, in Manila where officials seized 990 kilograms of shabu and led to the arrest of Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others.
In the CCTV footage, some PNP personnel were also seen on the scene on the same day of the drug operation and they were taking 42 kilograms of shabu.
Abalos then called Domingo and the 13 others to file a leave of absence, otherwise he will suspend them.
However, Domingo denied his involvement in the drug case.
"Kami na nga itong nakagawa ng pinakamalaking huli sa kasaysayan ng PNP [kung saan] kinasuhan ang dalawang suspek at kapwa pulis na si PMSgt. Mayo, na na-dismiss na rin sa serbisyo. Kami pa ngayon ang pinagdududahang kasabwat," he lamented.
The PDG director stressed that his conscience is clear.
"Ni katiting wala sa isip ko na gumawa ng masama. Wala akong tao na sinama dito sa PDEG," he said.
PDEG Special Operations Unit Region 4A Chief Julian Olonan and other eight other PNP officials has also declared intention to take a leave of absence.
