DOJ finds probable cause to charge Albayalde, police officers with graft

January 16, 2020

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found probable cause to charge former Philippine National Police chief General Oscar Albayalde and several police officers, with graft over the alleged irregular anti-drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.

In a resolution Thursday, government prosecutors found that Albayalde did not implement an order "which sought to penalize the police officers involved in the questioned drug operation."

Albayalde was the chief of police of Pampanga when the drug raid occurred.

The panel of prosecutors' findings against Albayalde will be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman.

"The Panel found probable cause to charge Albayalde with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations in connection with the official duties of the latter, and for causing any undue injury to any party, including the government," the DOJ said in a statement.

Also recommended for indictment for graft were P/Supt. Rodney Raymundo Louie Juico Baloyo IV; P/Insp. Joven Bagnot De Guzman, Jr.; SPO1 Jules Lacap Maniago; SPOI Donald Castro Roque; SPO1 Ronald Bayas Santos, SPO1 Rommel Muñoz Vital; SPO1 Alcindor Mangiduyos Tinio; PO3 Dindo Singian Dizon; PO3 Gilbert Angeles De Vera; PO3 Romeo Encarnacio Guerrero, Jr.SPO1 Eligio Dayos Valeroso; and SPO1 Dante Mercado Dizon.

The respondents were also indicted for qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code and for graft for causing undue injury to any party, including the government, it added.

The incident was reinvestigated following a Senate hearing last year. A few weeks after this, Albayalde went on non-duty status ahead of his retirement. DMS