PNP to start probe on second batch of 'narco cops'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will start its investigation on the second batch of policemen allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said Wednesday.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Cascolan said a total of 352 cops would be investigated in the second batch in which 83 were from the National Watchlist on Illegal Drugs (NWID) while 269 were on the Counter Intelligence Watchlist (CIW).

According to Cascolan, regional directors and national support units were already instructed to begin their adjudication process on these more than 300 cops before the National Adjudication Board steps in by the third week of May.

"The RDs and DIRs NSUs have been directed to start their adjudication asap for the NAB to adjudicate by the third week or fourth of May," Cascolan said.

"We should finish it by the first week of June," he added.

The validation process on the list includes adjudication at the regional and directorial level for one week. After this, the National Adjudication Board will handle the cases and will later endorse it to the PNP chief.

Asked about the status of adjudication on the first batch of "narco cops," which included 357 policemen, Cascolan said it was submitted to PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in the first week of March.

"Wala pa kaming balita, na-busy kami sa COVID eh. We were able to finish that first week of March and we gave that already to the chief PNP for his signature," Cascolan said in a separate interview with reporters.

At a press briefing in Pasig City, Gamboa said the recommendation on the first batch of narco cops was already submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.

"'Yung 357 kasi it was already submitted to the President. We are awaiting, siyempre very busy si President. There were recommendations there on the part of the PNP, those who we recommend for delisting and those that are for case build-up," Gamboa said.

Cascolan, meanwhile, warned erring cops to stop their illegal activities and "stick to police service."

"'Yung sa atin lang naman, let's be true to our service... if you tend to stick on your criminal activities, especially illegal drugs, it's time for you to get out. We will find you, we will pursue you," Cascolan said. --KBK, GMA News