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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Magalong: Azurin stands on moral ground in the fight vs illegal drugs

Magalong: Azurin stands on moral ground in the fight vs illegal drugs

Published Apr 22, 2023 03:07 am
What cover-up? Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong does not believe that there was an attempt for a massive cover-up on the P6.7 billion drug haul in Manila last year, saying he personally looked into the matter and found no indication that the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership tried to spare the cops tagged in the confiscation of almost a ton of shabu.  Magalong’s statement disputed the allegation of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos who earlier presented a CCTV footage purportedly showing that at least two generals and other personnel of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group tried to save Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo, Jr. Mayo, who was already dismissed from the service and now facing criminal charges, was tagged in the 990 kilos of shabu seized in a lending agency he allegedly owns in Manila.  “Personally, I would say that if there’s anyone standing on moral ground in the PNP, that would be the PNP chief (General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.), same with General (Narciso) Domingo, and General “Benjamin) Santos” Magalong told reporters in an interview. Domingo was the head of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group when the operation that led to the arrest of Mayo and confiscation of 990 kilos of shabu was carried out. Santos, on the other hand, was then the deputy chief for Operations of the PNP.  Domingo was replaced as PDEG director after he filed a leave of absence in compliance with the request of Abalos who demanded that all policemen seen in the video go on leave until such time that an investigation of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) is done. Magalong said that as soon as he was informed of the allegation of cover-up, he immediately talked with Azurin and grilled the latter over the actions he had done during and after the Manila operation. He said Azurin even showed pieces of evidence that include exchange of messages with Domingo. “We know the details (of the Manila anti-illegal drugs) operation. And as far as the Chief PNP is concerned, I am confident that he is standing on moral ground. There was no cover-up and I am certain of it, definitely,” said Magalong. Azurin earlier attested to the integrity of Domingo, saying he tapped the latter to head the PDEG since he knew to him be an untainted officer back when they were still at the Directorate for Personnel Records and Management.  Domingo was dragged into the controversy of alleged cover-up when Mayo was seen in the video being released. He explained later that it was part of a tactical move to seize more illegal drugs since Mayo claimed after his arrest that there is at least a ton of shabu in a warehouse in Pasig City. Azurin knew of the decision to use Mayo to seize more drugs but later ordered to secure the latter instead over fear of being killed, explaining that Mayo holds the key of identifying his backers. Magalong sees nothing wrong with the decision, saying the objective is to confiscate more illegal drugs by taking advantage of the situation. He revealed that there was an attempt to blindside Azurin and Domingo by some PDEG personnel but quickly took notice of it and issued directives to correct the matters.  The assessment he made based on the situation and his discussion with Azurin, according to Magalong, made him believe, and be convinced, that there was no cover-up on the side of Domingo and the Chief PNP.  Magalong is a well-respected police general whose integrity was further established when he led the investigation into the bloody Mamapasano encounter that led to the death of 44 police commandos.  The result of the investigation reportedly resulted in him being sidelined as one of the top contenders for being Chief PNP.   Magalong is currently a member of a five-man advisory group which assesses the involvement of PNP third level officers--from Colonels to Generals-- to illegal drugs trade.

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