An additional complaint has been filed against police officials and non-commissioned officers who were reportedly involved in the "anomalous" anti-illegal drugs operations in Manila where 990 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were seized in 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday, Dec. 27.
“In response to this additional complaint, the DOJ has constituted a panel of experienced prosecutors,” the department said in a statement.
The panel’s mandate is “to rigorously evaluate the additional complaint and associated evidence to determine the presence of all necessary elements to substantiate the crime charged,” the DOJ said.
“The submitted evidence, which is voluminous, is currently under detailed examination by the panel,” it said.
However, the DOJ's statement did not mention what were the charges filed in the additional complaint against the police officials and non-commissioned officers.
It merely said that "once the evaluation of the complaint and evidence is thoroughly completed, the panel will immediately initiate the preliminary investigation of the additional complaint."
Last July, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. announced that criminal complaints were filed against those involved in the "anomalous operation."
They were accused of violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices; RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022; falsification; perjury; false testimony; malversation of public property under the Revised Penal Code (RPC); and obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829.
Abalos identified those charged was Police Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, Col. Julian Olonan, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibanez, Lt. Col. Glen Gonzales, Major Michael Salmingo, Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, Lt. Col. Dhefrey Punzalan, Lt. Jefrrey Padilla, Lt. Randolph Pinon, Lt. Silverio Bulleser II and Lt. Ashrap Amerol.
The 38 non-commissioned officers charged were also identified by Abalos as Police Senior Master Sgts. Jerrywin Rebosora, Roman Jimenez, Marian Mananghaya, Clitton de Leon, Arnold Tibay and Ronnie Alonzo; Police Master Sgts. Lorenzo Catarata, Bryan Rodas, Carlo Bayeta and Alejandro Flores; Police Chief Master Sgts. Emmanuele Docena and Jerry Barit; Police Corporals Jose Joey Igana IV, Joan Franceslynn Taradji, Joshua Ivan Baltazar and Jhon Roland Gelacio; Patrolmen Joe Marie Cristobal, Dennis Carolino, Rommar Bugarin, Hassan Kalaw, Hustin Peter Gular, Adrian Florie Sanchez, Nathaniel Gomez, Windel de Ramos, Mario Atchuela Jr., Jayson Tomas, Rommel Fabian, Kyhke Ramilo, Nemar Baylon, Maico Bien Baldeo, Mara Magaway, Ivan Jay Calcetas,Abigail Tumanguil,Dhonna May Facton, Melvin Barbo, James Osalvo and Darious Camacho.
Also included in the complaint was dismissed Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. who was arrested and tagged as the owner of the 990 kilos of shabu.
The DOJ said the panel was formed following a conference conducted by the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (NPS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Dec. 15.
“The focus of the conference was an additional complaint that has emerged following an investigation into potential anomalies and irregularities committed by certain individuals during the operation,” it said.
“This new development indicates a continuing commitment by both the PNP and DOJ to ensure integrity and thoroughness in the fight against illegal drugs trafficking,” it also said.