Manila court issues hold departure order vs. cops in Mayo drug mess

A Manila court has issued a hold departure order (HDO) on the police officers who have been charged in connection with the 990 kilograms of suspected shabu seized in Manila in 2022. 

In its order, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 44 said it found merit in the argument that the accused could leave the country to evade arrest and prosecution.

“The Court hereby orders the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration to hold and prevent the departure of the accused hereunder named at any Philippine airport, seaport, or any port and to include their names in the hold departure list of the said office,” the court said.

The policemen, including Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., were charged with violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

Their supposed violations include the planting of evidence and the delay and bungling in the prosecution of drug cases.

They have pleaded not guilty to the charges before a Manila court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the court set the pre-trial for the case on February 14. –NB, GMA Integrated News