CIDG-8 chief Marcos was relieved, reinstated on same day, says PNP chief

Controversial cop Supt. Marvin Marcos was administratively relieved and reinstated on the same day, it was disclosed during the resumption of the Senate public order committee hearing on the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Monday.

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV inquired on the circumstances involving Marcos, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he relieved Marcos administratively in October “within the time frame” of the arrest of Mayor Espinosa’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, in Abu Dhabi.

“Dahil gusto kong maimbestigahan ‘yung kanyang involvement sa pagtanggap ng drug payola,” Dela Rosa explained.

Pressed by Aquino when Marcos was asked to be reinstated to his post, Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the committee, said “same day binalik.” Dela Rosa affirmed Lacson’s statement.

“Okay lang, your honor, dahil it’s coming from the chief executive,” Dela Rosa said.

“Hindi po ito pangkarinawan. To be frank, nagtataka ako but who am I to question the wisdom of the President? Meron siyang rason which he explained later,” the PNP chief added.

Duterte earlier admitted ordering the reinstatement of Marcos so that he could further be observed for alleged links to illegal drug operations.

Dela Rosa said Mayor Espinosa would still be alive if Supt. Marcos was not reinstated.

Mayor Espinosa was killed on November 5 inside the Baybay City sub-provincial jail in Leyte. It was Supt. Marcos’ team which led the raid inside the jail to serve a search warrant on Espinosa on information that he had in his possession a firearm and illegal drugs.

Kerwin had alleged that Marcos received protection money from him.

Marcos was eventually relieved from his post after Mayor Espinosa was killed. He is still under restrictive custody. —KG, GMA News