MANILA — One of the police generals accused of mishandling a massive PHP6.7-billion drug haul in Tondo, Manila, has fled the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday.

According to Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police director, the officer, whose name has been withheld, left the country on January 8—days before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 44 issued arrest warrants. The charges stem from allegations of misconduct during a staged operation in October 2022 that led to the seizure of 990 kilograms of illegal drugs.

The incident has implicated several high-ranking officials, including retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos and former PNP Drug Enforcement Group director Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo. Both are among the 30 police officers ordered arrested for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, specifically for bungling and delaying the prosecution of cases.

Warrants issued, 200K bail set

The court has set bail at PHP200,000 for each of the defendants. However, while Santos was cleared by Manila RTC Branch 175 of accusations related to planting evidence due to insufficient proof, he remains charged with other offenses.

In its ruling, the court stated that while surveillance footage confirmed Santos’ presence at the scene, there was no evidence directly linking him to the alleged staged operation. Furthermore, no witnesses or admissions from co-defendants implicated him in any conspiracy.

Efforts to bring back fleeing officers

Fajardo confirmed that 20 of the 29 officers, including retired, resigned, and active personnel, are now in custody. Nine remain at large, with one of the suspects having left the Philippines.

Among those detained, nine are held at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, while ten others are under custody at various police units. One suspect has been committed to Manila City Jail.

Authorities are now working to track down and apprehend the remaining fugitives. For the general who fled the country, the PNP is exploring options, including coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice alert.

The case has raised questions about the integrity of the operation and accountability within the ranks of law enforcement. Security footage reportedly shows officers taking 42 kilograms of shabu before completing the inventory of the seized drugs. The stolen drugs were later recovered.

📷 PNP