PUZZLER Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos cited this security camera footage in questioning official reports about an October 2022 raid in Manila that led to the discovery of 990 kilos of crystal meth (“shabu”). The encircled figures are those of police officers whom he wanted investigated as he suspected a cover-up. —Photo from DILG

MANILA, Philippines — One of the nine at-large policemen who were ordered arrested for their alleged involvement in the mishandled P6.7-billion drug case is currently out of the country, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig Gen. Jean Fajardo disclosed this official — a general she did not name — already left the country before the issuance of the arrest warrant.

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Last January 15, the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of 29 policemen involved in the bungling of the prosecution of arrested personalities implicated in the 990 kilogram-shabu case.

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READ: 20 of 29 cops in mishandled P6.7 billion drug case now in police custody

“We will have to wait kung yung prosecution will be applying for hold departure order (HDO) since the case has already been filed in court,” Fajardo said.

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“So we expect that corresponding HDO will be filed, or the prosecution will file a petition to make sure that the nine at large will not be able to leave the country. But as per our coordination with the Bureau of Immigration except for one, the rest is here,” she added.

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Asked if the policeman abroad is a general, Fajardo answered in the affirmative. She added: “He left on January 8, prior to the issuance of the warrant of arrest.”

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In the same briefing, Fajardo said that 20 of the 29 police officers in the P6.7 billion drug case are now under police custody.

“Out of the 29 na may warrant, 10 are in arresting units, nine are already in the custodial center of the PNP, and one in Manila City Jail,” Fajardo said during a press briefing on Monday.

The decision was widely expected. An Inquirer’s poll of 10 economists correctly predicted today’s move by the Monetary Board, which will hold its next rate-setting meeting on Dec. 19.

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On the other hand, four of the nine officers who remain at large are active police officials, three are retired, and one was dismissed from service.

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