PNP to promote cops behind confiscation of P13-billion shabu haul

The bundles of illegal drugs seized in Batangas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Police personnel directly involved in a checkpoint operation that led to the confiscation of 2 tons of crystal meth or shabu in Batangas on Monday will be promoted, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said a separate ceremony will be held to promote police officers who are part of Major Luis de Luna Jr.’s team. De Luna was already given a promotion.

“Symbolic lang po yung pag pin ni Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos kay Captain Luis de Luna now Major de Luna definitely yung mga kasama po nya ay kasama po sa map-promote po at magkakaroon din ng separate ceremony with respect to their spot promotion,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

(The pinning done by Abalos to now Major de Luna was just a symbolic act. Other members of his team will definitely be promoted to a separate ceremony.)

She added that apart from de Luna, a total of 33 personnel were present during the operation but they are prioritizing the promotion of those with direct participation.

On Monday, Abalos described the drugs as the largest haul yet by authorities. The DILG chief promoted de Luna because “De Luna and his companions were not blinded by money.”

“They are the best examples of PNP leadership. On this day, you are promoted because of your excellence and courage to do your job. You chose not to keep it; you did not take away anything,” Abalos said.

The confiscated narcotics were loaded in a passenger van flagged down by de Luna’s team at a checkpoint along the highway in Barangay Pinagkurusan in Batangas province.