Robredo hopes PNP leadership will save its reputation, not rogue cops

Amid the controversy over the so-called "ninja cops," Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she hoped that the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) would save the reputation of the institution and not the careers of rogue policemen.

“Iyong challenge, talagang nasa leadership. Paano sila magre-respond, given na ganito iyong ebidensya na lumalabas? Iyon iyong aabangan natin,” Robredo said in an interview.

“Pero sana, sana mag-rise up sila sa challenge na ang isalba nila iyong institusyon, hindi iyong iilang taong nagpapasira sa reputasyon ng buong hanay nila,” she added.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde faced the Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice Committees over the “ninja cops" or police officers who turn around and recycle seized illegal drugs.

Albayalde was alleged to have intervened and prevented the dismissal of his former subordinates at the Pampanga police office who were linked to the alleged recycling of seized illegal drugs when he was the provincial director in 2013. 

During the Senate hearing, Albayalde admitted that he had spoken to then-PNP Region 3 Regional Director Aaron Aquino about the 13 cops, but insisted that he had no intention to influence Aquino.

‘Matitino at mahusay’

Robredo lamented that the issue surrounding the PNP was affecting the reputation of decent and honorable police officers.

“Marami akong kilalang pulis, marami akong kilala na matitino at mahuhusay, at nakakalungkot na kapag mayroong mga ganito, nadadamay iyong mga maaayos,” she said.

The vice president lauded Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who also testified during the Senate hearing, for being brave and honest enough to speak amid the threats against him.

“At the expense na magalit sa kaniya iyong mga kasama niya, pinili niyang sabihin iyong katotohanan,” she said.

Magalong, who became chief of the PNP's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), testified on the 2013 Pampanga anti-drug operation involving the 13 cops. 

“Sana hindi masayang iyong kaniyang katapangan. Sana dahil sa kaniyang mga sinumpaang salaysay, maging dahilan para mas maging seryoso iyong institusyon na linisin ang kanilang hanay,” Robredo said. — Joviland Rita/DVM, GMA News