One of the police generals ordered by the court to be arrested in connection with the alleged mishandling of P6.7-billion worth of shabu in Tondo, Manila in 2022 has left the country, according to confirmation from the Philippine National Police (PNP). yesterday
Brig said. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police director, whose general-rank officer, who was not named, left the Philippines on January 8 before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 44 issued an arrest warrant in connection with the alleged mock operation to confiscate illegal drugs.
Two generals were implicated in the case: retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos and former director of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo.
Santos was among the 30 police officers who were arrested for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, specifically the delay and failure to properly progress the case.
The court set bail at P200,000 for each accused.
Santos was acquitted on the allegation of planting evidence by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 175 due to lack of evidence. "Although the CCTV footage confirmed his presence in the area, it does not clearly show his direct participation in the alleged hot pursuit operation," according to the decision.
The court also noted that there were no witnesses or confessions from other accused directly linking Santos to any conspiracy.
Since there is an arrest warrant against Domingo, Fajardo said they have different options to bring him back to the country.
This includes coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol for issuing a red notice alert.
According to Fajardo, 20 of the 29 active, retired, and resigned police officers are already in custody. Nine others remain wanted.
Nine of them are detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, while 10 are in other police units. The other has been transferred to the Manila City Jail.
