MANILA – The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday said 15 of the 29 police officers charged over the alleged mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug haul in October 2022 are now in custody.
“(We) have 15 actually tayo na under custody na, mga ilan pa na (We have 15 actually who are under custody), both active and retired,” CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III told reporters on the sidelines of 72nd founding anniversary of CIDG at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
He added that some have already expressed their intention to surrender.
“May nagpapahiwatig na magsu-surrender (Some have already expressed their intention to surrender). I believe they will come to their senses and will just surrender to the courts. Siguro nag-iisip pa pero (Maybe they’re still mulling over it but) at the end of the day, they have to submit themselves to the court,” Torre said.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branches 175 and 44 have issued warrants of arrest against the 29 active and former police officers in connection with the alleged planting of evidence and bungling of prosecution of arrested suspects during the anti-drug operation.
The PNP has created Task Force 29 to go after the officers. (PNA)