Raps filed vs. 2 police generals, 48 others in P6.7-billion drug haul

Criminal complaints were filed against the 50 police officers allegedly involved in the controversial 990-kilogram shabu haul amounting to P6.7 billion in Manila, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos announced Tuesday.

Abalos said the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed complaints on June 9 against the erring cops at the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO), the police and the military Ombudsman.

The complaints alleged they violated Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; RA No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Revised Penal Code (RPC) Article 171 or the Falsification of Documents; RPC Article 183 or Perjury; RPC 184 or Offering False Testimony; RPC Article 217 or the Malversation of Public Funds or Property; and Presidential Decree No. 1829 or Obstruction of Justice.

Of the 50 cops, 12 were commissioned officers including Police Lieutenant General Benjamin Santos Jr., Police Brigadier General Narciso Domingo, and Police Colonel Julian Olonan as well as 38 non-commissioned officers. Also included in the list is dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested over the illegal drug haul in October 2022.

“For clarity purposes, of these 50 respondents, 48 appeared on the CCTV video and additional two officers were charged on the basis of conspiracy,” Abalos told reporters in a media briefing.

Domingo said he is ready to defend himself.

"I welcome the development.  At least, I will now be able to defend myself," he told GMA News Online.

GMA News Online is trying to get the side of the other named officials.

Abalos said the Napolcom is also conducting administrative proceedings on the involved PNP officers for the filing of administrative complaints against them. The panel had completed the pre-charge investigation for 48 of them.

The possible charges against police personnel are for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and dishonesty. If found guilty, Abalos said among the penalties are dismissal from service, forfeiture of benefits and disqualification from public office.—Joviland Rita/LDF, GMA Integrated News