Bong Go denies asking PNP chief Bato to reinstate CIDG Region 8 chief

President Rodrigo Duterte's top aide has denied that he ordered PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa to reinstate Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 chief Supt. Marvin Marcos.

In a message sent to Palace reporters, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go said he does not know Marcos personally.

"The allegations are pure hearsay and unsubstantiated. I cannot recall having met former CIDG Region 8 Head supt Marcos and I don[']t know him personally. I did not ask General Bato to reinstate him. I also do not interfere with the affairs and functions of the PNP," Go said.

The statement came after Senator Leila de Lima claimed that Go's alleged request was an open secret within the PNP.

Dela Rosa earlier revealed that he had ordered the relief of Marcos even before the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, but a higher official asked him to reinstate the controversial cop who was also accused of receiving protection money from Mayor Espinosa’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

The PNP chief added that the "higher official" who called him was his "kumpare." He, however, did not name the person. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News