By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed dismay over the statement of PLTCOL. Jovie Espenido describing the organization as the “largest organized crime group” in the country during the third joint public hearing of the House Quad Committee.
In a press conference at their Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson PCOL. Jean Fajardo said Espenido’s statement was “sweeping” and affects the entire police organization.
She said that while some PNP members may stray from the right path, they do not represent the majority of dedicated and honorable police officers.
“Ang isang organized crime group ay binuo para sa isang purpose lamang, ito ay to commit crimes. Malayong-malayo ito sa realidad kung bakit itinatag ang PNP so hindi natin alam kung saan nanggagaling ’yong sinasabi nitong police officer na ito,” Fajardo said.
“It casted doubt, shadow doon sa integridad ng buong PNP. Nalulungkot tayo dahil maraming pulis na seryoso at tapat sa kanilang tungkulin, maraming nagbuwis ng buhay at nakakalungkot ’yong buong organization ang binigyan niya ng label,” she added.
Espenido tagged the PNP as the “biggest crime group” in the country after claiming that the killing of drug personalities is part of the order under the drug campaign of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Espenido made the claim during the resumption of the investigation of the Quad Committee on the possible link between the proliferation of illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)—which included illegal drug trade and anomalous land acquisitions—and the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.
He accused former PNP chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa of issuing an order to “neutralize” drug personalities, in which for him and the rest of the police force means “to kill.”
Under the alleged “quota” and “reward” systems imposed by the PNP leadership, Espenido said “we had to knock on the doors of 50-100 households suspected of drug use or pushing” with an alleged reward of “P20,000 per kill.”
The PNP now wants Espenido to present evidence to prove his allegations that the organization is indeed the biggest crime group in the country.
“These are serious accusations and allegations. The PNP is open to anyone who could present pieces of evidence against anybody and we will not tolerate it,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo said Espenido’s allegations about the PNP should serve as a challenge for all PNP personnel to do better in their duties and responsibilities.
However, the PIO chief said the PNP is willing to help Espenido to file charges should he present proof related to the controversial drug war.
“He has to answer for all his claims. We have to ask him for the proof. Accusation is one thing but proof is another thing. On the part of the PNP, the PNP is also curious about his pieces of evidence. If he has pieces of evidence, then we will help him,” said Fajardo.
She also reiterated the PNP’s commitment to the continuing reforms that strengthen the force, which include strict adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a holistic approach in combating illegal drugs, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of human life.
“We encourage anyone with credible information regarding misconduct within our ranks to come forward. We are fully committed to investigating all allegations thoroughly and impartially, and should any misconduct be proven, we will ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law,” she stressed.