The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal charges against 30 Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, including two generals, for alleged evidence planting and unlawful arrest during a drug raid in Manila in October 2022.
The charges, confirmed by the DOJ, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), include violations of Section 29 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which pertains to planting evidence.
Among those charged are PLTGEN Benjamin D. Santos, Jr., and PBGEN Narciso D. Domingo, along with other high-ranking officers and personnel.
PCOL Julian T. Olonan
LTCOL Dhefry A. Punzalan
PLT Jonathan G. Sosongco
PMSG Carlos C. Bayeta
PAT Hustin Peter A. Gular
PAT Rommer I. Bugarin
PAT Hassan O. Kalaw
PAT Dennis L. Carolino
PCPL Joshua Ivan Baltazar
PAT Nathaniel Gomez
PLT Ashrap T. Amerol
PSMS Jerrywin H. Rebosora
PSMS Marian E. Mananghaya
PMSG Lorenzo S. Catarata
PSSG Arnold D. Tibay
PCOL Arnulfo G. Ibañez
PLTCOL Glenn C. Gonzalez
PMAJ Michael Angelo C. Salmingo
PLT Randolph A. Piñon
PAT Mario M. Atchuela
PAT Windel C. De Ramos
PLT Silverio P. Bulleser I I
PCMS Emmanuele E. Docena
PMSG Alejandro F. Flores
PCPL Jhan Roland L. Gelacio
PAT James G. Osalvo
PAT Darius R. Camacho
PMSG Rodolfo B. Mayo
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the incident suggests a large-scale conspiracy within the PNP to conceal an illegal drug operation.
One of the respondents, PMSG Rodolfo B. Mayo, a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, was reportedly arrested during a staged “hot pursuit” operation at Quiapo, Manila.
The arrests of Mayo and Nely Atadero were linked to a supposed buy-bust operation, but investigations revealed inconsistencies in the police accounts. CCTV footage presented by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and NAPOLCOM contradicted the police reports.
The controversy stems from a buy-bust operation at Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. in Tondo, Manila, on October 8, 2022. The operation resulted in the seizure of ₱6.7 billion worth of shabu and the arrests of Atadero and Mayo.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as part of efforts to address corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.