Cops plead not guilty over 2022 drug mess

Several cops on Monday pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them in connection with the 990 kilograms of suspected shabu that was seized in Manila in 2022, according to Manny Vargas report on Super Radyo dzBB.

The cops pleaded not guilty before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 175.

Mga pulis na akusado sa 990 kilos ng shabu na na-recover sa isang gusali sa Tondo, Maynila noong 2022, naghain ng not guilty plea sa Manila Regional Trial Court. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/k3bIvCX3L7

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 27, 2025

Meanwhile, Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. reportedly did not enter any plea due to his pending motion to quash.

Due to this, the court entered a not guilty plea for Mayo.

The RTC also reportedly tackled the motion of the accused on whether or not they will be moved to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center.

This included Patrolman James Osalvo, who asked the court to allow him to be transferred to the PNP General Hospital due to a medical condition.

Meanwhile, the court set the pre-trial for the case on February 14.

A panel of prosecutors has filed charges against the cops, including two ranking police generals, for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The cops’ supposed violations include the planting of evidence and the delay and bungling in the prosecution of the drug cases.

The Philippine National Police earlier announced the 22 police officers would be placed under restrictive custody after charges were filed against them over the supposed mishandling of the P6.7 billion drug haul in October 2022.  

The cops were also disarmed. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA Integrated News