Albayalde on threats on Magalong’s life: He can request security directly from me

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Monday said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong can ask him directly if the latter needs permanent security due to the supposed threats on his life.

At a press conference at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna, Albayalde was asked to comment on the remarks of Magalong, as well as Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino, that they are receiving death threats amid the "ninja cops" issue.

"If he (Magalong) needs a permanent or a regular security, then he can always write us or always even direct 'yung kaniyang request directly to me or to the PSPG so that he will be given a permanent security na entitled naman po siya and anybody else for that matter na meron pong death threats sa kanilang buhay," Albayalde said.

The PNP chief also said he sees no problem as Magalong has full control and supervision of the Baguio City Police Office.

On Aquino's part, Albayalde clarified that he had directed the chief of the Police Regional Office 3 to bring back all of the PDEA chief's security personnel.

"In fairness and in the name of justice, pinabalik ko lahat 'yung request ni DG Aquino lahat ng security niya... para po mawala 'yung ganyang tinatanong sa akin," Albayalde said.

It was on September 18 when the security escort of Aquino was recalled. Albayalde earlier said the recall of Aquino's security after his revelation on the drug recycling scheme was just a coincidence.

He said it was for the preparation of the Southeast Asian (SEA) games.

Aquino and Magalong said their families have been receiving threats following the testimonies they bared during the Senate inquiry on the supposed recycling of illegal drugs by law enforcement officials.

Magalong then warned that those threatening him and his family should make sure that he will not survive.

"Wala lang galawan ng pamilya. O kaya they just have to make sure na kung may ginawa sila sa akin, I will not survive. Otherwise, all hell will break loose," Magalong had been reportedly quoted as saying. — RSJ, GMA News