Año confirms Espenido's inclusion in drug watchlist

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has confirmed Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido's inclusion in the government’s drug watchlist.

In a message to reporters, Año said the allegation against the controversial police official would still undergo validation. “Yes, that’s true and he will also undergo validation and possible investigation,” he said.

According to Año, Espenido is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

"His accomplishments in the past could be a big positive factor to his side during adjudication/validation," Año said.

President Rodrigo Duterte had praised Espenido for leading the operation that led to the killing of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, a suspected big-time drug lord, in July 2017.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa had refused to confirm if Espenido was indeed included on the list, saying he has promised those who are on the list that he will not publicize their names.

“I neither confirm nor deny kasi nga there's part of confidentiality. Second, pinromise ko sa 357 na I will not divulge your name kasi they will undergo a specific process,” Gamboa said in a Dobol B sa News TV interview.

The nation’s top cop, however, confirmed that Espenido was relieved from his post as Bacolod City police deputy chief for operations, adding that he is already in Camp Crame.

“Yes, marami naman ‘yan sila,” Gamboa said.

On Thursday, Gamboa told reporters at Camp Crame that he would no longer answer questions about the drug watchlist pending validation.

He earlier bared that a total of 357 cops are linked to illegal drugs trade. Of that number, 15 have availed optional retirement while 43 others had gone AWOL (absence without leave). —KBK/NB, GMA News