DOJ forms special panel to assess addt'l raps, evidence in 2022 Manila drug raid

The Department of Justice has formed a panel composed of experienced prosecutors to assess the additional charges and pieces of evidence that might strengthen the case on the controversial 2022 Manila drug raid.

This developed after the DOJ's National Prosecution Service and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a case conference last December 15 on the operation that led to the seizure of 990 kilograms of "shabu" in October 2022.

According to the DOJ, the discussion focused on the additional complaint that has emerged following an investigation into potential anomalies and irregularities committed by certain individuals during the operation.

"In response to this additional complaint, the DOJ has constituted a panel of experienced prosecutors. This panel's mandate is to rigorously evaluate the additional complaint and associated evidence to determine the presence of all necessary elements to substantiate the crime charged," the DOJ said in a statement.

The voluminous evidence is currently under detailed examination by the said panel, the DOJ added.

In October 2022, police authorities had confiscated some 990 kilograms of shabu with an estimated value of P6.7 billion after a series of anti-drug operations in Manila.

However, the anti-drug operation was hounded by controversy after police officers allegedly pilfered around 42 kilos of shabu from the illegal drugs seized from a dismissed police officer who was arrested during the operations.

Due to the alleged cover-up of the incident, criminal and administrative charges were recommended against 49 PNP officials and personnel. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News