Two police generals, 48 others face charges over 990 kilos shabu seized in Manila


The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has filed criminal charges against 50 police officers, including two generals and a colonel, in connection with the allegations of anomalies and cover-up in the confiscation of around 990 kilos of shabu in Manila in October last year, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Tuesday, June 13.

Abalos said the charges were filed against the policemen for violation of Republic Act (RA) 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 12 police commissioned officers charged with criminal cases were 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 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 was dismissed Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. who was arrested and tagged as the owner of the 990 kilos of shabu.

“Aside from the criminal charges filed against these police officers, the Napolcom is conducting administrative proceedings. The Napolcom has completed its pre-charge investigation against the 48 PNP officers and members that appeared in the video and expects to issue its resolution after about 15 days," Abalos said.

He explained that a “pre-charge investigation” is similar to a preliminary investigation under a fiscal.

“If the counter-affidavits of the respondents are found insufficient, the NAPOLCOM shall proceed to file formal charges against them. The possible formal charges include grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and dishonesty, among others. The penalties include dismissal from service, forfeiture of benefits and disqualification from public office,’’ Abalos explained.

Abalos clarified that these criminal cases were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and the administrative case proceedings are now on-going.

Abalos 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 alleged illegal drug deal.