Ex-police general says Duterte allegations unfair, claims he's victim of black propaganda

A former police general named by President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday as among those who protected drug syndicates bristled at the allegations, saying that he was a victim of black propaganda.

Former PCSupt. Vicente Loot, who was elected mayor of Daanbantayan town in Cebu last May, told Super Radyo dzBB that his alleged links to illegal drugs came from one of his accusers during his time as District Director of the Manila Police 

"Nabiktima lang ako ng black propaganda," Loot said.

The Cebu town mayor said it is unfair on the part of his family and fellow Cebuanos if he is not given a chance to clear his name.

"It's unfair to me and to my family, kailangan ma-clear ko ang sarili ko... Sana naman mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon, it's unfair to my fellow Cebuanos, kilala ako dito, alam nila kung anong klaseng opisyal ako," Loot said.

Loot added his family normally receives reports of black propaganda since his wife, Ma. Luisa, is also a politician and former mayor of Daanbantayan.

“Every time na papasok ang missis ko sa pulitika, lumalabas yung mga ugly rumors na 'yan and every time naman nananalo naman [kami] sa kaso. And kung totoo man yun, eh di sana hindi ako nanalo, hindi rin sana nanalo wife ko,” he said.

“May mga reports, kung anong black proapaganda, na pinapadala kahit saan na ako ay drug lord at protector. Lahat ng yun naging negative,” Loot added.

'Conscience is clear'

Loot, who served for 37 years in the Philippine National Police, added he is willing to face any investigation and his accusers behind the alleged trial by publicity.

“I am willing to face any investigation. I would be very happy if I would be given the chance to clear my name. My conscience is clear,” he said.

Meanwhile, Loot said he believes Duterte was supplied with the wrong information since the president did not even know he was already out of active service.

“Wala na po ako sa active service. I have retired already. The fact the president said he was going to relive means he received the wrong information,” Loot said.

He said he is looking to having an audience with Duterte and police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa. 

The other four police generals identified were former Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director general Marcelo Garbo, Jr., Bernardo Diaz, Edgardo Tinio, and Joel Pagdilao. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/JST, GMA News