Espenido believes there’s failure of intel on drug watchlist

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido, the cop who led major drug operations against big-time drug suspects, believes that there was a failure of intelligence amid the inclusion of his name in the government’s drug watch list.

“That’s true. There may be failure of intel,” Espenido told reporters in a message.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa has been silent on the reported inclusion of Espenido in the controversial list.

The PNP chief has been saying that he will not disclose further details about the drug watchlist, especially the identities of the cops included in it.

The list, being held by the PNP, was based on the list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed that Espenido was indeed included in the list.

The Palace however said the police official still enjoys the trust of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo has speculated that black propaganda is being waged against the controversial cop.

Duterte had lauded Espenido for his contribution in the government’s war against illegal drugs.

Espenido led the operation against the Parojinog clan in 2017 in Ozamiz City, which resulted in the death of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and his other relatives.

The Parojinogs were accused by Duterte of having links in the illegal drug trade.

Prior to that bloody drug operation, Espenido was the police chief of Albuera, Leyte when Mayor Rolando Espinosa was killed inside a prison cell in Baybay City in 2016. —KG, GMA News