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Magalong welcomes possible graft charges against Albayalde


Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Saturday expressed his support for the possible charges which may be filed against resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde over his alleged involvement in the 2013 Pampanga drugs operation.

"Ako po ay lubos na sumusuporta sa kanilang findings dahil halata naman talaga ho, makikita nyo naman talaga na malakas, kahit circumstantial lang, ay malakas ang kaso laban sa kanya," Magalong said in a radio interview.

The mayor added that Albayalde should be made accountable for the alleged attempt to intervene on behalf of the so-called "ninja cops" when he was Pampanga police chief.

Albayalde could be charged with Section 3 (a) of Republic Act or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2001.

Magalong meanwhile called on police officers involved in the alleged drugs recycling scheme to come clean with authorities.

"Alam nyo itong pagkaalis ni Gen. Albayalde sa PNP sana magbigay linaw sa mga tao ni [Police Major Rodney] Baloyo na kanya kanya na kayo. Wala nang ibang tutulong sa inyo kundi kayo lang, magsabi lang kayo ng katotohanan," Magalong said.

Minor infractions

Meanwhile, Magalong thought it was counter-productive to pillory police officers for minor infractions as this would lead to a loss of trust in the PNP.

"Hindii ako naniniwala na magdadala ka ng maraming media tapos manghuhuli ka ng pulis na natutulog. Sisikat ka pero is it the right way? Ano strategic impact noon? Ang impact mawawalan ng tiwala ang publiko sa kapulisan," Magalong explained.

"Wag mo naman isakripisyo ang institusyon. Kaya ako hindi naniniwala sa gagawin pa nilang dramatic ang pag inspect ng mga pulis, itataon pa nila na puro pagkakamali. Kalokohan yan."

According to Magalong, police commanders should "inspire, motivate, [and] enforce good deeds" and not shame police officers for their mistakes.

The mayor meanwhile said that the next PNP chief needed to have credibility, a good track record, experience fighting against illegal drugs, and have the moral ascendancy to lead. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News

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