THE involvement of some police officers and men in the highly lucrative drug trafficking is a known fact, validated by no less than former President Rodrigo Duterte. This sad situation that merited just anger from Filipinos was further confirmed by security camera footage during the raid on a warehouse in Manila allegedly run by police master sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. In this video material, a sizable amount of confiscated shabu — later to be established as 42 kilos — was pilfered apparently for sale or “recycling” by police elements.
This scandalous operation was investigated by the Department of Interior and Local Government which supervises the PNP, with the Senate and the House of Representatives conducting parallel probes, uncovering similar information.
Now, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has filed criminal charges against 50 police officers, including two generals and a colonel, in connection with the drug pilferage anomalies and cover-up in the confiscation of around 990 kilos of shabu in Manila in October last year.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who made the announcement last Tuesday, said the charges were filed for violation of Republic Act 3019 or The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices; RA 9165, or the The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022; Revised Penal Code in particular Article 171 on falsification, Article 183 on perjury, Article 184 of false testimony and Article 217 on malversation of public property; and Presidential Decree 1829 or obstruction of justice.
‘The President should act decisively now against drug syndicates and their law enforcer patrons.’
The 12 police commissioned officers charged with criminal cases were Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, Col. Julian Olonan, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibanez, Lt. Col. Glen Gonzales, Maj. Michael Salmingo, Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, Lt. Col. Dhefrey Punzalan, Lt. Jefrrey Padilla, Lt. Randolph Pinon, Lt. Silverio Bulleser II and Lt. Ashrap Amerol. A total of 38 non-commissioned officers were also charged.
Aside from the criminal charges against these police officers, Napolcom is conducting administrative proceedings. The Napolcom has completed its pre-charge investigation against the 48 PNP officers and members who appeared in the video and is expected to issue its resolution after about 15 days.
Abalos, Napolcom chairman, said the criminal cases were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and the administrative case proceedings are ongoing. He said the first step in their probe was based on the CCTV footage where the police officers claimed that two unnamed cohorts were involved in the illegal drug deal.
If the Ombudsman finds the charges meritorious, these will be endorsed to the court, particularly the Sandiganbayan. Such tedious and slow legal process is the national policy adopted by the Marcos government in fighting the drug menace. This is a complete turnaround from Duterte’s “shoot ‘em” style. While Digong clearly made a dent, Bongbong has yet to prove that his way is showing promise. As things go, the police generals now are getting involved in drugs, not just the newbies.
Shoot them or sue them, both methods seem not to work. This observation is bolstered by the number of arrests and seizures of illegal drugs not just in the National Capital Region but all over the country. The President should act decisively now against drug syndicates and their law enforcer patrons.
