Nearly 50 officials and personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been found liable for criminal and administrative charges in connection with the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in Manila last year. According to a memorandum signed by PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management director Police Major General Eliseo Cruz, most of the officials and personnel cited were from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG). The highest ranking official named was former PDEG chief Police Brigadier General Narciso Domingo. The Special Investigation Task Group 990 ordered the 47 PNP officials and personnel to surrender their firearms. The investigation found that there was a massive attempt to cover up the arrest of suspected drug smuggler Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested in October 2020 following a series of anti-drug operations. The value of the confiscated shabu was estimated at over P6.7 billion. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has asked two police generals and several other police officers to go on leave within the week or face suspension pending investigation by the National Police Commission. Domingo denied any cover-up in the case. A press conference was to be held on 8 March to discuss the findings from the investigation into the case.
