The Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged a former high-ranking officer involved in the mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug haul to surrender and face the charges filed against him.
PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, made the call after former PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief, Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, who is now a fugitive, claimed that corrupt police officers manipulating government officials were behind the case against them.
In a 16-minute video posted on his Facebook account from an undisclosed location, Domingo appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to investigate the charges. He was in charge of an intelligence-driven operation in October 2022, which resulted in the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu and the arrest of rogue anti-narcotics officer, dismissed S/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.
“As a former senior police officer, we expect Gen. Domingo to respect the rule of law. He was given the chance to answer the allegations before they were filed, and there are three cases so far,” Fajardo said in a press briefing at Camp Crame, referencing Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Domingo is among eight police officers being sought by authorities over the case.
Fajardo further appealed to the remaining wanted individuals, saying, “We urge the remaining eight former and active PNP personnel to respect the rule of law. They will be given their day in court, and it would be in their best interest to surrender and face the charges.”
Fajardo also confirmed the arrest of another police officer, Sgt. Arnold Tibay, by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on January 31.
In April 2023, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos revealed the names of police officers allegedly involved in attempting to cover up the case. Abalos said the cases were based on findings from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Abalos emphasized, “The video speaks for itself. If they didn’t do anything wrong, it would have shown in the investigation. If they are guilty, they will be held accountable.”
Regarding Domingo’s claims, Abalos said, “If he says the findings are wrong, but that’s the conclusion of the DOJ, what else can we do? Due process was followed. All the accused will have their day in court.”
Warrants of arrest have been issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court for 29 active and former police officers connected to the alleged planting of evidence and mishandling of drug cases during the operation. (PNA | Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)