RTC issues hold dep orders for 30 cops in PHP6.7B drug case

A Manila Regional Trial Court has issued hold departure orders against 30 police officers involved in a PHP6.7-billion drug haul case from October 2022.

The court granted the prosecution's motion to prevent the accused from leaving the country, citing concerns over their potential flight risk and financial means.

One of the retired police general among those charged has already left the Philippines on January 8, while the Bureau of Immigration is instructed to implement hold departure orders at all entry points.

The order includes Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, and dismissed intelligence officer M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., facing major charges related to the drug operation.

Of the 30 officers involved, 22 remain in service with bail set at PHP200,000 each for those not already charged or departed.

The case involves allegations of planting evidence and delaying prosecutions based on security footage showing police removing 42 kg of shabu before an inventory check.

The court also set a pre-trial date for February 14.