MANILA – A police general involved in the alleged staged illegal drug operation in Manila in 2022 has surrendered to authorities on Tuesday.
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, Police Lieutenant General Benjamin Santos Jr. voluntarily surrendered to authorities and posted a P200,000 bail.
“Around 4:48 a.m. this morning, sumuko po siya sa [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] at binasahan po siya [warrant of arrest] at dumaan sa normal booking procedures,” Fajardo said.
“After posting P200,000 bail, around 9:12 a.m. today, nai-release na po sa custody ng CIDG si General Santos pursuant po sa release order issued ng RTC Manila Branch 44,” she added.
Before turning himself over to the authorities, Santos’ lawyer had reportedly send surrender feelers to the CIDG when he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday.
Santos posted bail for a case in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly the delay and bungling in the prosecution of drug cases.
A group of prosecutors has initiated legal proceedings against 30 police officers for infractions related to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Of these individuals, arrest warrants have been issued for 29.
The alleged offenses committed included the fabrication of evidence and significant delays and mismanagement in the prosecution of drug-related cases.
The case revolves around the actions of dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was apprehended when authorities seized approximately 990 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at over P6.7 billion, during drug operations in Manila in 2022.
According to police records, Mayo held the position of intelligence officer within the PNP Drug Enforcement Group. He was dismissed from service on March 21, 2023, due to three counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer./PN
