MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday dismissed allegations of a “grand conspiracy” within its ranks following remarks by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. This came a day after authorities recommended charges against 30 police officers linked to a controversial 2022 drug bust, where nearly a ton of crystal meth worth PHP 6.7 billion was seized.

Secretary Remulla pointed to the PNP’s reward system as a possible cause of corruption in the police force, suggesting it may have encouraged officers to manipulate drug operations for personal gain.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the secretary suggested that a system within law enforcement, linked to rewards, had fostered corruption, with officers manipulating drug operations for personal benefit. “From 2016 to 2022, officers seized illegal drugs but only reported a fraction, hiding the rest in warehouses,” Remulla said. “For the first time, we see police officers peddling drugs and concocting a cover-up scenario. There appears to be a grand conspiracy to conceal this criminal enterprise within the PNP.”

“We must set a moral tone for the police force. Covering up, concealing, and participating in conspiracies must have consequences,” Remulla emphasized.

In response, the PNP assured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability. “The PNP remains unwavering in its dedication to transparency and accountability. We welcome investigations and are ready to cooperate fully to uphold the law and reinforce public trust,” the PNP said in a statement.

The PNP emphasized that accountability would apply even to retired or resigned personnel. “Criminal charges will be pursued when evidence establishes involvement in illegal activities,” the PNP added.

The PNP has placed 22 active officers involved in the case under restrictive custody, with others resigning, retiring, or being dismissed. As the investigation into the 2022 drug haul continues, authorities promise further inquiries into police corruption and the potential dismantling of illicit networks within the PNP.

Secretary Remulla stressed that the investigation was not aimed at discrediting former President Duterte but at examining the policies he implemented.

“It is not about casting aspersions on Duterte himself, but rather about the policies he created and their consequences,” Remulla said. “The reward system emboldened some officers to manipulate drug operations for personal gain.”

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, supported Remulla’s remarks, describing the reward system as a cause for illicit activities within law enforcement.

“The reward system didn’t just encourage shortcuts; it bred criminal enterprises within the very institution tasked with upholding the law,” Barbers stated. “By prioritizing kill statistics over accountability, Duterte turned the PNP into a rogue organization thriving on shortcuts and blood money.”

📷 PNP