Former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. on Sunday emphasized that the cases filed against those involved in the P6.7-billion drug case were based on the findings of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
However, Abalos, a lawyer, underscored that the accused have the right to appeal as part of due process.
“What I told the public: res ipsa loquitur, the thing speaks for itself. The video speaks for itself. So, I called for an investigation. If they didn’t do anything wrong, that would have come out in the investigation. And if they had any wrongdoing, they will be held accountable,” said Abalos.
“We had it investigated by the proper government agencies—the Department of Justice and Napolcom,” he added.
Addressing the recent remarks of Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, Abalos said, “If he says the findings are wrong, but that’s the conclusion reached by the DOJ, what else can we do? Due process was followed. All the accused will have their day in court. That is how our justice system works.”
During his tenure as interior secretary, Abalos, in 2023, bared an alleged plot among police officers to cover up the anomalies of the P6.7-billion anti-drug operation.
“If the officers were innocent, the investigation would clear them. If violations were committed, accountability must follow,” he stressed.
“If anyone disputes the findings, they should present counter-evidence in court,” he added. PR
