Anti-drug cop tagged in P6.7 billion shabu axed

MANILA, Philippines — The police officer who was arrested in connection with nearly a ton of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P6.7 billion seized in Manila was dismissed from the Philippine National Police, the PNP reported yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. approved last March 6 the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service dismissing S/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.

“Mayo’s dismissal order is for implementation after it was signed by the PNP chief,” Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, told reporters in a news briefing.

With Mayo’s dismissal, all his benefits and other privileges as a police officer were forfeited.

Mayo, a former operative of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), was found guilty of grave misconduct after his alleged accomplice, Ney Atadero, was caught in possession of two kilos of shabu during a sting in Manila on Oct. 8, 2022.

Atadero’s arrest led police to nearly a ton of shabu kept at a lending firm owned by Mayo.

Fajardo said Mayo remains in the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology as he is facing criminal charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

According to Fajardo, Mayo did not submit a counter-affidavit to refute the charges against him.

“He opted not to submit and the case was resolved based on the evidence on record,” Fajardo said.