The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, Jan. 14, denied the allegation of “grand conspiracy” within its ranks to cover-up wrongdoings, particularly in illegal drugs operations.
In a statement, the PNP said it has been implementing a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and has been addressing all allegations of wrongdoing within the organization through the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG), Internal Affairs Service (IAS), and other investigative units.
“We remain committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our operations,” the statement read.
The PNP issued the statement amid the filing of criminal charges against 30 police officers, including two retired generals, for allegedly planting evidence and delaying and bungling in the prosecution of drug cases in relation to the alleged irregularities in a 2022 anti-illegal drug operation.
The operation refers to the case of police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo who yielded P6.7 million worth of shabu in two separate operations in Manila.
In the statement, the PNP said it welcomes investigations and is ready to fully cooperate with any inquiry to uphold transparency, strengthen public trust, and reinforce good governance.
“In line with our recalibrated anti-drug campaign, we have adopted a community-driven, bloodless approach that prioritizes human rights and accountability. Our efforts focus on dismantling drug supply chains, targeting high-value individuals, and fostering community partnerships for sustainable results,” it read.
The PNP also addressed allegations of anomalies through the reward system that is tied to drug war killings.
It said rewards are strictly limited to the lawful arrest of wanted persons, governed by established regulations.
“Accountability remains paramount, even for retired or resigned personnel. While administrative actions may no longer apply, criminal charges can still be pursued when evidence establishes involvement in illegal activities,” the statement read.