A bit of good news to start the year. The DOJ will file charges against 30 police officers including two generals for “taking part in an alleged grand conspiracy to cover up a criminal enterprise within the Philippine National Police (PNP).” They are accused of planting evidence and intentionally mishandling the case against PMSgt. Rodolfo Mayo in connection with the seizure of 990 kilos of shabu worth ?6.7 billion in October 2022.
It was revealed that Mayo's arrest on October 9, 2022, was staged because he was arrested on October 8. Mayo owned the warehouse where the 990 kilos of shabu were found but the officers did not properly report it. CCTV also revealed police officers carrying out several pieces of baggage containing shabu as a reward for a confidential informant, but it was eventually “recovered” near Camp Crame. There were too many holes and inconsistencies in the explanation of the police officers regarding this operation. CCTV footage showed the two generals arriving at the warehouse where the shabu was discovered. This places them at the scene and confirms they know about the drugs. There is no explanation as to how 990 kilos of shabu worth billions ended up in the warehouse owned by Mayo.
For the longest time, I have been saying that there seem to be syndicates within the PNP. This case is an example. This is no surprise. The police have the power to seize illegal drugs and recirculate them for the right price. The drugs are supposed to be destroyed but some enterprising police officers have other plans. Only dedicated and honest police officers have the power to expose, detain, and charge these scalawags. Ordinary citizens can't do anything for fear of being liquidated or labeled as criminals themselves.
The mandate of the PNP is to serve and protect the public. That includes crime prevention. They should not be involved in criminality. But every now and then we hear of dirty policemen involved in some kind of crime. It is good that the PNP leadership is purging their ranks of scalawags. But they still exist, tainting an organization that should be steeped in honor.
There is nothing more that would make the public happier than an honest and honorable PNP. Police that can be trusted and not feared. Approachable and not avoided. It's good that these 30 police officers got caught and will face criminal charges. But the question is, are they the only ones? For several years, the PNP has wanted to clean up its image. I hope that one day they finally achieve it.