PNP welcomes DILG chief’s move to investigate P6.7-billion drug haul case

Facade of the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame. Image from pnp.gov.ph website

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday expressed its support for Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s move to investigate the arrest of a now-dismissed police officer tagged in the P6.7-billion drug bust in October last year.

“The PNP supports the intention of DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr. to conduct an investigation on the circumstances related to the arrest of Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr.,” the police force said in a statement.

On October 8, 2022, Mayo and Ney Saligumba Atadero were apprehended during a Tondo, Manila, anti-drug raid where 990 kilograms of shabu, worth P6.7 billion, had been confiscated from the police officer.

Last March 16, the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency destroyed the seized narcotics in Trece Martires City, Cavite province.

However, on April 6, Abalos cast doubts on Mayo’s sole involvement in the case, suggesting that he may not have acted alone. He revealed the names of ranking police officers allegedly involved in the “massive attempt to cover up” Mayo’s arrest on April 10, as shown in a CCTV footage.

Following this revelation, PNP said it backs Abalos’ call “or the voluntary submission of leave of absence by 10 police officers who were directly involved in the case.”

“We believe that such is the most prudent thing to do by said officers to prevent them from influencing the investigation at any stage,” the PNP said.

Before the DILG chief’s move, PNP chief Police Gen. Rodolfo S Azurin Jr. formed Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) 990 upon the recommendation of PNP-Drug Enforcement Group director Police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo after he learned that some of his men attempted to withhold 42 kilograms from the seized 990 kilograms of shabu.

The PNP said that the SITG has already submitted the final report to Azurin, adding that it “will not tolerate any wrongdoing of any member of the organization, regardless of rank and position.”

“We will respect the proceedings and abide by the directives of the Napolcom (National Police Commission) and other constituted authorities in this matter,” the police organization said.

“Be that as it may, the PNP is firm in its commitment and oath to be an organization clothed with integrity and worthy of the people’s trust and confidence,” it added.

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JPV