Manila: The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against 30 police officers implicated in the controversial PHP6.7-billion drug haul in Tondo, Manila, which occurred in October 2022. This legal action aims to prevent the officers from leaving the country amid the ongoing investigation and prosecution.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Manila RTC Branch 44 released an 11-page order granting the prosecution's motion to impose the travel ban. The court highlighted the likelihood that the accused might attempt to flee the Philippines to avoid arrest and prosecution due to the serious nature of the charges against them, as well as their financial capacity to facilitate such a departure. The Bureau of Immigration has been instructed to enforce the order.

Among those charged is a retired police general who has already left the country, as confirmed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday. The HDO includes high-ranking officials such as Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations; Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former Drug Enforcement Unit director; and dismissed intelligence officer M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who is considered a major suspect in the drug operation.

While M/Sgt. Mayo has entered a not guilty plea, 29 of the 30 officers are still serving in the police force. The Manila RTC Branches 175 and 44 had previously ordered the arrest of these 29 officers, setting bail at PHP200,000 each. The alleged offenses committed by the officers include the planting of evidence and delaying the prosecution of the cases.

The case drew significant attention after security footage revealed that police officials had taken 42 kg of shabu before completing the inventory of the 990 kg of illegal drugs confiscated during the operation. The stolen shabu was subsequently recovered.