The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday cleared former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. from the alleged cover-up of the 990 kilos of shabu worth ₱6.7 billion seized in Manila in October 2022.
In an interview with reporters, panel chairman Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa said Azurin was cleared following the testimony of former PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) head Narciso Domingo.
"Yes, as far as my committee is concerned," the Senator said when asked if the former PNP chief is already off the hook.
Bato disclosed that there is a "50-50" chance that Domingo is involved in the alleged cover-up while PDEG special operations unit Chief Pcol. Julian Olonan is "75-25".
During the Senate probe, Domingo told the Senate committee that it was Azrurin who ordered the arrest of now-dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr.
The former PDEG admitted that there were "lapses" in their drug operation.
Domingo cited that Olonan submitted a spot report to Azurin wherein Ney Attadero was only the one declared as arrested while Mayo's name was excluded.
He said that Mayo's name got excluded as police officers believed that Mayo could be of help by giving information regarding the remaining drugs for the follow-up operations.
"I was just too presumptive on the regularity of my men's performance in duty, your Honor," Domingo said.
In October 2022, authorities nabbed Mayo and confiscated 990 kilograms of shabu in Manila.
In April this year, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos revealed that around 42 kilos of the confiscated drugs were allegedly stolen by some cops after the operation to cover-up the arrest of Mayo.
