Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido has no record of involvement in illegal drugs in Region 6, the result of the initial investigation of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 bared.
According to Western Visayas Regional Director PBGEN. Rene Pamuspusan, there is no solid evidence to link Espenido with drugs, and that he also led anti-illegal drugs operations in Bacolod.
“Talagang siya ‘yung office- in-charge doon sa anti-drug operation ng Bacolod City Police Office kasi under sa kaniya ‘yung oversight committee on anti-illegal drugs as deputy for operations. So marami rin siyang mga programa na ginagawa diyan sa Bacolod,” Pamuspusan said.
He added he has no knowledge on the records of Espenido outside the region.
The adjudication and validation process is ongoing against more than 350 policemen, including Espenido.
Meanwhile, Espenido had already explained to the Regional Director about his media interview and comment on his inclusion in the drug watchlist, since cops allegedly involved in the list are not allowed to talk about the matter while investigation is ongoing.
“I made him explain his actuations regarding his media appearances and kinausap ko naman siya na meron ng instruction si chief PNP. And hindi naman namin puwedeng balewalain ‘yung instruction ni chief PNP,” Pamuspusan said.
The PRO 6 is still assessing the explanation of Espenido and will conduct further investigation if necessary.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa is expected to submit his recommendation on narco cops to President Rodrigo Duterte next week. – Report from Bea Bernardo
