The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has included former PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde among the respondents in the case involving the 13 alleged “ninja cops” who carried out the anomalous drug buy bust operation in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013. Based on the sworn statements of the witnesses of the CIDG, 200 kilos of shabu were confiscated at the scene but only 38 kilos were declared. The cops were also allegedly paid PHP 50 million and given vehicles in exchange for the freedom of Chinese drug trafficker Johnson Lee.
The lawsuit relies on the evidence presented during the previous Senate hearings, which suggest that Albayalde is liable as provincial director for Pampamga during that time. Although he was physically absent in the raid, his conversation with the 13 policemen who conducted the operation could be held against him.
The amended complaint affidavit of the CIDG incorporates violation of Section 92, Republic Act (RA) No. 9165; Section 3, RA No. 3019 (Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act); qualified bribery; falsification of public documents; perjury in solemn oath; and dereliction of duty.
The PNP-CIDG has decided to file the corruption case before the Department of Justice instead of the Office of the Ombudsman for faster disposition. The justice department guarantees a thorough, fair probe on the issue.
Albayalde welcomes the CIDG’s move because he would be given due process.
The next preliminary investigation is on November 5,2019 when the respondents are set to submit their respective counter-affidavits.
