PNP files 69 cases vs cops tagged in P6.7-B drug raid cover up

(From left) Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., and PNP-ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia hold a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon on July 10, 2023. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-nine administrative and criminal complaints were filed against police personnel and high-ranking officials who allegedly committed irregularities during the controversial anti-drug operation in October last year that led to the seizure of 990 kilograms or P6.7 billion worth of crystal meth or shabu.

In a press conference on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said these administrative and criminal complaints have already been filed before the Ombudsman of the military and other law enforcement offices (Moleo) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“With regards to the cases, we were able to file 69 cases against the personalities involved ranging from the conduct of the operation, if there were lapses,” Acorda said.

“All the administrative and criminal charges were filed, and also with regards to the pilferage na nakita kasama na rin yung mga kaso na yan (including the pilferage) — these were filed sa Moleo and Napolcom,” he added.

Last month, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. revealed that criminal complaints were already filed against 50 police officers before the Ombudsman and Napolcom on June 9 for violating Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Revised Penal Code, specifically for falsification, perjury, and false testimony, and for obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree No. 1829.

Of these 50 police officers, Abalos said 49 appeared on the CCTV video showing what transpired on the day of Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.’s arrest, which he publicized last April 10.

Meanwhile, the “other two officers have been charged on the basis of conspiracy.”

Following the filing of these cases, Acorda said concerned agencies have already terminated the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) 990 formed to investigate the P6.7 shabu haul cover-up, adding that PNP and Napolcom are now handling the case.

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JPV