PNP general in P6.7 billion shabu haul surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — A retired Philippine National Police (PNP) general wanted for alleged irregularities in the seizure of P6.7 billion worth of shabu in Tondo, Manila in 2022 surrendered yesterday.

Retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos turned himself in to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay at around 4:48 a.m.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said police served a warrant of arrest to Santos, issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 44.

Santos is among the active and retired PNP officers who were ordered arrested by the court on charges of bungling the prosecution of drug cases under Section 92 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Santos posted bail of P200,000 for his temporary liberty.

“He was released from the CIDG custody after posting bail,” Fajardo told reporters in a message on Viber.

The court had earlier exonerated Santos of the non-bailable offense of planting of evidence.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre said Santos, who was the PNP deputy chief for operations during the bungled anti-narcotics operation, came from Singapore.

The retired police general sent surrender feelers last week, according to Torre.

With Santos back in the Philippines, there are still seven PNP officers implicated in the case who remain at large, including retired Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo.

Torre said CIDG tracker teams have been looking for Domingo, who has said he would never surrender, and the other police officers.

“We are confident that all these seven will be accounted for,” Torre said at a news briefing.