At least 49 personnel of the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), including its former head Police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, were found to be liable for administrative cases in connection with the controversial confiscation of P6.7 billion worth of shabu involving a police sergeant.
But Police Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, head of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), did not provide additional details, explaining that it would be the subject of the press conference on Sunday, April 16, at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“In our press conference, we will discuss how the investigation started, what we have done so far and what we should do next,” said Cruz.
He said Domingo and Police Col. Julian Olonan, head of the PDEG-Region 4A, are included.
On Monday night, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos disclosed that there was a massive cover-up attempt by some PDEG officials in connection with the arrest of Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo, Jr.
Mayo was already dismissed from the service in connection after he was arrested following the confiscation of 990 kilos of shabu in Sta. Cruz, Manila in October last year.
In proving his statement, Abalos presented CCTV footage showing at least 10 PNP officials, including Domingo and then PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos.
Abalos said the official tried to hide the arrest of Mayo.
Both Domingo and Ololan admitted lapses but said they were part of a tactical move to confiscate more drugs since Mayo claimed that there was still a warehouse containing illegal drugs more than what was seized in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Domingo and Ololan denied covering up for Mayo.
Domingo was already replaced as PDEG director. He and Ololan already filed a leave of absence in compliance with the “request” of Abalos.
Aside from Santos, Domingo and Ololan, Abalos said also seen in the CCTV were Police Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibañez, officer-in-chrge of the PDEG-SOU in Metro Manila; Police Lt Col. Harry Lorenzo III, assigned to the Manila Police District, Moriones Station; Police Maj. Michael Angelo Salmingo, deputy chief of the PDEG-SOU in Metro Manila; Police Capt. Jonathan Sosongco, head of the arresting team from the SOU- 4A; Police Capt. Randolph Piñon, chief of the intelligence section of the PDEG SOU 4A; Police Lt. Glen Gonzales, from the Quezon City Police District; Police Lt. Asgrap Amerol, intelligence officer of PDEG.