Criminal complaints have been filed against 50 officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are allegedly involved in the alleged cover-up of 990 kilograms of shabu worth ₱6.7 billion, Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos announced on Tuesday.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the PNP filed the criminal complaints against the 50 cops before the Office of the Ombudsman last Friday, June 9.
"Of these 50 respondents, 48 respondents appeared in the CCTV video and an additional 2 officers have been charged on the basis of conspiracy with the 48," he said.
Police Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr. and Police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo was among the 12 high-ranking officials charged with criminal cases.
The raps filed were in violation of the following:
- Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
- RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act as amended
- Revised Penal Code, in particular, Article 171 on Falsification Article 183 on Perjury, Article 184 on False Testimony and Article 217 for Malversation of Public Property
- Presidential Decree No. 1829 or Obstruction of Justice.
The 50 PNP officers were also charged with administrative complaints.
The Interior Secretary said that the PNP officers may face suspension, be dismissed from service, and their benefits may be forfeited.
According to Napolcom vice chairperson Alberto Bernardo, the cops would be given a chance to explain their side.
"'Yung ilang mga kinauukulan ay may nagsabi na hindi sila kusang gumawa ng mga ganitong pamamaraan, sila ay nautusan lamang," he said.
"Magkakaroon naman sila ng pagkakataon na patunayan na hindi sila ang nandoon sa CCTV at hindi sila 'yung nakapangalan doon sa pre-operation forms," Bernardo added.
Last April, Abalos revealed video footage of a drug raid in Manila in October 2022 wherein PNP officers were caught stealing 42 kilos of shabu.
The said officers allegedly stole the drugs in a bid to cover up dismissed PNP Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.
