Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 16) — The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has recommended the filing of administrative and criminal charges against 49 personnel of the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG), including its former chief PBGen. Narciso Domingo.
“Andoon ‘yung [There are] specific charges against them for every participation that they have done in this operation,” PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said in a press briefing on Sunday.
Cruz earlier said that Domingo and Region 4A head PCol. Julian Olonan were among those found to have criminal and administrative liability following the controversial anti-drug operation in Manila that yielded 990 kilograms of shabu.
READ: Ex-PDEG director, 48 other personnel to face charges over shabu haul and ‘cover-up’
The CIDG said the PDEG officials have violated Sections 21, 27 and 92 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165), as well as Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, for providing false testimony and perjury.
The agency also plans to file administrative cases for grave neglect of duty, incompetence to perform duties of a police officer, grave dishonesty for concealment of truth, and misfeasance.
“The CIDG should continue the conduct of case build-up to further strengthen the criminal cases that will be filed,” Cruz said.
Cruz said \”most\” of the 49 PNP personnel were already relieved from duty.
‘Higher accountability’
Contrary to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos’ statement, Domingo on Tuesday said there was no attempt to cover up irregularities in last year’ s shabu haul.
READ: 2 PDEG officials to file leave over ₱6.7-B shabu haul ‘cover-up’
But Cruz stressed that Domingo is accountable as he holds the highest position in the PDEG.
