MANILA — The Sandiganbayan dismissed former police officer Eduardo P. Acierto’s appeal related to his conviction in multiple graft cases arising from the illegal release and sale of AK-47 assault rifles in 2012.

In a resolution dated February 18, 2026, the Sixth Division of the anti-graft court denied Acierto’s motion for reconsideration of its December 2025 ruling, which also convicted former PNP Firearms and Explosives chief Senior Supt. Raul Petrasanta and other co-accused.

The court noted that Acierto has not surrendered to Sandiganbayan and therefore lacked standing when filing both his previous and second motions for reconsideration.

“There being no motion for reconsideration or notice of appeal filed within the reglementary period, the Court’s judgment has now become final and executory as to accused Acierto,” the resolution read.

The court also criticized Acierto’s absence during the promulgation of the verdict on December 5, 2025, calling it unjustified. “He did not even ask the Court to appear via videoconference,” it said.

Acierto previously claimed he had been in hiding since 2018, asserting that he sought protection after submitting an intelligence report identifying close associates of former President Rodrigo Duterte as major players in the drug trade.

Prior to his graft cases, Acierto was implicated in the 2018 smuggling of PHP11-billion worth of methamphetamine (shabu) hidden in magnetic lifters.

With the denial of his appeal, the Sandiganbayan’s ruling is now final and executory, reinforcing accountability in the illegal firearms and related graft cases.