Fleeing PNP general in PHP6.7B drug case

A police general connected to the mishandling of a PHP6.7-billion drug seizure operation in Manila during October 2022 has fled the country prior to receiving an arrest warrant, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson and Police Regional Office-Central Luzon chief, confirmed this at a press conference on Monday.

The case involves dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested during operations that seized 990 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated value over PHP6.7 billion.

A panel of prosecutors has filed charges against thirty active and former cops, including two ranking police generals, for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; arrest warrants have been issued for twenty-nine individuals.

Of these, twenty are now in custody while nine remain at large: four active cops, three retired personnel, one resigned, and another dismissed from service.

The PNP has called on the remaining eight suspects to surrender, warning that hold departure orders will be issued if prosecutors file for them.