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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Let the axe fall where it may': Romualdez dismayed with PNP officials involvement in drug cover-up

'Let the axe fall where it may': Romualdez dismayed with PNP officials involvement in drug cover-up

Published Apr 16, 2023 02:13 am
(Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)



House Speaker Martin Romualdez has admitted to being "dismayed and saddened" over allegations that two police generals and other ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) attempted to cover-up of irregularities in the confiscation of some P6.7 billion worth of shabu in 2022. “I am dismayed and saddened to learn that some of those accused of alleged involvement are members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG), the very same people tasked to go after peddlers of illegal drugs,” said Speaker Romualdez on Sunday, April 16. “While an in-depth investigation to ascertain the truth is being undertaken, measures to reorganize the police force’s drug unit should be implemented,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman. In a press conference held last Monday, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos named two police generals – Police Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, the relieved chief of the PDEG – and other high-ranking police officers as allegedly involved in the cover-up of the arrest of Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. This was in connection with the seized 990 kilos of "shabu" worth P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila in October 2022. Since then, a congressional probe has been sought in the Senate on the allegations made by Abalos. In the House of Representatives, Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairman and Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has called on police assets to come forward and shed light on the matter. “The investigation into these allegations must be swift and thorough. Let the axe fall where it must because police involvement in this alleged cover-up, especially anti-drug operatives, cannot and should not be tolerated,” Romualdez said. “It would also be ideal to hear the statement of PNP Chief Gen. Azurin on the matter. Let us wait for official announcements before jumping to conclusions,” he added.

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