PNP chief clueless on Duterte’s claim he fired 6 generals involved in illegal drugs

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa was clueless Tuesday on the claim of President Rodrigo Duterte that he sacked six generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

“Hindi ko alam 'yung anim. Ang alam ko lang 'yung lima pa lang. Magtanong ako kung sino,” Dela Rosa replied when asked by GMA News Online during the courtesy call of officials and members of the National Press Club.

Duterte made the claim in his speech during the 80th founding anniversary of the National Bureau of Investigation Monday.

“Remember, I fired six generals when I assumed the presidency for involvement in the drug industry,” the President said.

Dela Rosa said he thinks the six mentioned by Duterte were the same five generals the President earlier named.

“Baka 'yun na 'yung lima,” he said.

Duterte earlier named former National Capital Region Police Officer chief Director Joel Pagdilao, former Quezon City Police District Office director Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio, Western Visayas police chief Director Bernardo Diaz, retired Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, and former Chief Superintendent and now Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot as those allegedly protecting illegal drugs.

Garbo and Loot were already retired when Duterte mentioned them while Pagdilao, Tinio, and Diaz were in active service and were relieved from their post and ordered to report to the national headquarters.

Charges have been filed before the National Police Commission against Pagdilao, Tinio, and Diaz and the investigation is now ongoing.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is now probing Loot and Garbo. —KG/KBK, GMA News