From Protectors to Perpetrators: How the PNP’s War on Drugs Went Rogue

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C Biraogo — January 14, 2025

IT began with whispers—allegations that the Philippine National Police (PNP), sworn to serve and protect, were operating like criminals. Those whispers are now a deafening roar, exposing a reward system meant to inspire justice but corrupted to fuel an empire of deceit. In a nation reeling from its war on drugs, the lines between hero and villain have never been so devastatingly blurred.

From Good Intentions to Greed: The Dark Side of the PNP’s Reward System

It began in 2016 with a straightforward idea: reward officers for successful drug busts. But this well-intentioned policy became a breeding ground for corruption. Instead of serving justice, officers reportedly manipulated drug hauls, keeping vast amounts hidden in secret “bodegas” to sell later. The allegations against Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo—who was implicated in a staggering 1.5-ton shabu bust worth P10.15 billion—shine a light on the rot.

CCTV footage places Mayo at the heart of this scandal, but he walked free. His warehouse, stuffed with drugs, remained unreported in official police records. Instead, his subordinate, Ney Atadero, bore the brunt of the blame in a false narrative spun to protect the higher-ups.

The reward system had become a perverse game: seize drugs, report only a fraction, collect accolades, and pocket promotions—all while fueling a thriving underground network.

The Cover-Up Exposed: The PNP’s Attempts to Protect Its Own

The brazenness of this conspiracy points to a troubling reality: corruption wasn’t an anomaly; it was institutionalized. High-ranking officers allegedly orchestrated cover-ups, silencing dissent and creating a culture of impunity.

Napolcom’s investigations led to disciplinary actions against 99 officers, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Thirty officers, including senior officials, face charges, while whispers of political interference muddy the waters. Retired PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who authorized Mayo’s release, remains conspicuously absent from the list of accused, raising questions about the depth of accountability.

The Roadblocks to Accountability: Challenges in the PNP Scandal

Unraveling this scandal is a Herculean task. Internal resistance, evidence tampering, and a deeply entrenched “padrino” culture threaten to derail investigations. Witnesses fear retaliation in a system that prioritizes loyalty over integrity.

Moreover, political interference looms large. The PNP, whose upper echelons may have benefited from these schemes, holds the keys to the evidence vault. This lack of transparency and independence jeopardizes the quest for justice.

The Path to Reform: Rebuilding Trust in the PNP

This is not just a crisis for the PNP but a national reckoning. Under the leadership of Secretary Juanito Victor Catibayan Remulla Jr., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) must act decisively, implementing a bold and multifaceted approach to reform.

An Independent Investigation
An independent, internationally supported investigative body is non-negotiable. This team must have the authority to subpoena, investigate, and prosecute without interference. International collaboration would ensure credibility, shielding it from local political pressures.
Witness Protection and Incentives
Fear is the enemy of truth. A robust witness protection program—complete with relocation, financial security, and legal aid—must be enacted to empower whistleblowers. Immunity or reduced sentences for cooperative insiders could unravel the conspiracy’s inner workings.
Meritocracy Over Patronage
The “padrino” system, a breeding ground for corruption, must be dismantled. Promotions should be merit-based, ensuring that integrity and competence are rewarded.
Transparency and Oversight
Public trust can only be rebuilt with transparency. Regular updates on investigations and reforms, overseen by international bodies, will foster accountability.
Legal and Structural Reforms
Strengthen whistleblower protections, increase penalties for obstruction of justice, and invest in forensic and digital investigation capabilities. The PNP’s investigative units must be equipped to match the sophistication of the criminal networks they combat.
Address Cultural Sensitivities
Acknowledging cultural dynamics like “pakikisama” is vital. Training investigators in cultural sensitivity can improve cooperation and reduce resistance within the force.

The Road Ahead: Charting Our Course

The human cost of this scandal is incalculable. Families devastated by the drug trade now grapple with the betrayal of those sworn to protect them. For them, this is not just a corruption case—it is a matter of life and death.

As the investigation unfolds, the Philippine government faces a stark choice: confront the systemic failures that allowed this criminal enterprise to thrive or risk further erosion of its credibility. This is a moment of reckoning, not just for the PNP but for a nation yearning for justice.

This is no longer just a test for the Philippine National Police—it is a reckoning for an entire nation. If corruption goes unchecked, the damage will echo for generations, eroding trust, justice, and hope itself. The choice is stark: rise above, or descend further into shadows. The time to act is now.