MANILA — The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against 30 police officers involved in the mishandling of a P6.7-billion drug haul in Tondo, Manila, in October 2022.

The court granted the prosecution’s motion, citing concerns that the accused might flee to avoid prosecution, noting the gravity of the charges and their financial means.

Among those included in the HDO are Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former Drug Enforcement Unit director, and dismissed M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., a key suspect in the operation.

Mayo, who has entered a not guilty plea, is charged with planting evidence and delaying the prosecution of the case. Police officers reportedly took 42 kg of shabu before the official inventory of the 990 kg of illegal drugs, as seen in security footage. The stolen drugs were later recovered.

A retired police general involved in the case has already left the country, confirmed the Philippine National Police (PNP). Of the 30 officers, 29 are still active in service. Arrest warrants for 29 suspects have been issued, with bail set at P200,000 each.

The Bureau of Immigration is tasked with implementing the travel ban.

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