Remulla suspects PNP reward system led to fabricated drug hauls

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla suspects a 'grand conspiracy' within the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conceal criminal activities.

Remulla's statement came after 30 PNP officers were indicted for an alleged fabricated drug haul in 2022, prompting the PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo to deny institutionalized schemes within the organization.

The secretary plans to investigate drug-related operations from 2016 to 2022, theorizing that a reward system instituted by the PNP led to underreporting of drug hauls and fabrication of evidence.

Retired Police Col. Royina Garma revealed during a House quad committee hearing last October that former President Rodrigo Duterte offered cash rewards for every drug suspect killed, which Remulla confirmed in a Palace briefing.

Despite Fajardo's denial, Remulla reiterated his theory about the reward system encouraging the fabrication of seizures and arrests to meet performance targets.