After a lengthy case buildup, the DOJ has indicted 30 police officers, including two generals, for making fake arrests and planting evidence during a drug-raid simulation in October 2022.
It was an operation that embarrassed the whole PNP, because it confirmed what the people have known for a long time: that drugs-related corruption reaches up to the top leadership of the police.
It is commendable that we had then Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos and the latest CCTV technology. Secretary Abalos maximized the use of the security cameras and footage available to document the shenanigans happening then in the police force.
Now out of the DILG because he is running for senator in the May elections, Benhur Abalos should be remembered by voters for his persistence in pushing the administration’s fight against the drug menace. The above-mentioned case was one of his shining moments as DILG secretary.
The DOJ has filed charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 9165) against the officers in the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 175.
On Oct. 8, 2022, the police raided the Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. (WPD Lending) where 990 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride (“shabu”) worth P6.7 billion were seized. Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) and Ney Atadero were arrested following a “hot pursuit” at Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila.
“CCTV footage presented by the CIDG and the National Police Commission revealed inconsistencies in the police narrative,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“The footage, also shown by former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. during a press conference, allegedly showed Mayo in handcuffs as early as Oct. 8, contradicting claims of his arrest the following day,” the DOJ added.
In April 2023, Secretary Abalos made public video footage of Mayo’s arrest by several officers, showing that instead of leaving immediately, the handcuffed Mayo and other officers entered a building multiple times, transferring bags and luggage to various vehicles.
Seen arriving and entering the establishment were high-ranking officials, including Police Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibañez; Col. Michael Angelo Salmingo; Col. Julian Olonan; Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, a former chief of the DEG; and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, the third-highest official in the PNP. They were later seen in conversation before Olonan and Salmingo joined Mayo in a vehicle. Mayo’s handcuffs were removed before finally leaving the premises.
The two top generals involved—Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr. and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo— are believed to be out of the country, perhaps to evade prosecution. The government should exert all efforts to bring them back to face the consequences of their actions.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonColumn #ViewfromCalumpang