Bato wants PNP chief Azurin in Senate probe into P6.7-billion shabu

PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. will be called to attend the Senate inquiry into issues surrounding the P6.7 billion shabu seized in Manila in October 2023, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has said.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", Dela Rosa so remarked after Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos adverted to an alleged attempt at a cover-up following the confiscation of the 990 kilos of shabu.

“Titingnan natin pakinggan natin ang side ng Chief PNP para masiguro natin na malaman natin kung saang lebel ang pagko-coverup na ito,” Dela Rosa said.

(Let's hear the side of the Chief PNP so that we'd know up to what level is the cover-up.)

Dela Rosa said he didn't believe that Police MSgt. Rodolfo Mayo was the only policeman involved in the huge amount of illegal drugs seized in Manila.

"Hindi kayang gawin ng isang police master sergeant 'yung ganu'ng klaseng isang toneladang shabu, siya lang ang involved. I don't think so. Meron at meron pa 'yan," Dela Rosa said.

(A police master sergeant can't deal with a ton of shabu all by himself. I don't think so. There must be others involved.)

Abalos has asked several officers, including two police generals, to go on leave to make way for the investigation of the alleged cover-up.

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. filed a resolution calling for the Senate investigation of the controversy.

Dela Rosa is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

The PNP said the agency welcomed the Senate probe.

"This is a welcome development to once and for all clear all issues related to the biggest drug accomplishment we had in October last year," it said, noting that the PNP a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 is currently pending in court for Mayo and his cohort's prosecution.

PNP assured the public that its integrity is intact as it continuously and religiously does its job while maintaining our highest morale.

"Almost a 15% decrease of focus crimes was noted from January 1 to April 8, 2023, comparing the same period last year which could be attributed to the collective efforts of our members. To add, for the same period, our campaign against illegal drugs is continuously gaining grounds by the conduct of 14,122 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide resulting to the arrest of 18,927 drug personalities and confiscation of 5.4 Billion worth of illegal drugs," it added. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News