Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 8) – Results of the investigation on the 990 kilograms of local methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu seized in October last year may be released soon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Monday.
“In the coming days ay makukumpleto na rin ‘yung investigation ng SITG (Special Investigation Task Group) as well as ‘yung fact-finding board na ginawa ng Napolcom (National Police Commission),” PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.
[Translation: In the coming days, the investigation of the SITG (Special Investigation Task Group) as well as the fact-finding board created Napolcom (National Police Commission) will be completed.]
The major drug bust last year came to light after Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos disclosed an attempt to cover up Police Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo’s arrest.
READ: Abalos urges PNP officials linked to ₱6.7-B shabu haul to go on leave
Authorities seized nearly a metric ton of shabu worth ₱6.7 billion in Mayo’s property.
Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management chief, earlier said 49 personnel from PNP-Drug Enforcement Group, including its former chief PBGen. Narciso Domingo, will be facing complaints over their alleged involvement in the drug bust.
READ: PNP to file administrative, criminal raps vs. 49 PDEG officials
Meanwhile, in a bid to halt police involvement in illegal drugs, Fajardo said the PNP will implement stricter vetting among personnel assigned to drug enforcement operations.
She said the PNP will also limit the term of police personnel assigned to drug operations to two years to avoid familiarity with the system.
“Ika nga, masyado ka nang matagal d’yan. Siguro it is high time na alisin ka na d’yan para hindi ka na dumating doon sa punto na medyo nakain ka na ng sistema,” Fajardo added.
[Translation: I mean, you’ve been there too long. Maybe it’s high time to get you out of there so that you don’t get to the point where you’re a bit fed up with the system.]
Without disclosing a specific number, Fajardo said they have already filed numerous cases against police personnel involved in illegal drugs activities.
She said police personnel assigned to drug enforcement stations are currently undergoing periodic review of their performance and drug-related cases they previously handled.
