By Armando Fenequito Jr.
DAVAO CITY --- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is awaiting the result of the Senate hearing on 'Ninja Cops' before launching its own probe against erring cops, including the possible involvement of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Philippine Information Agency / MANILA BULLETIN)
DILG Sec. Eduardo Año said he already formed an investigating team from the DILG and National Police Commission (Napolcom) which includes four lawyers.
"This will be a thorough and fair review and investigation, based on facts, based on reports, based on procedures... and based on the past investigations conducted, " he said.
Año said the investigating panel will invite the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) members who made the reports from their previous operations and other resource persons who could give additional information that could be useful to the case.
He said the panel might release the result before the mandatory retirement of Albayalde on November 8.
Año said he still appreciates the move of Albayalde in eradicating the so-called “ninja cops” in the PNP despite being dragged as the protector of the erring policemen.
"From 87 (Ninja Cops before), we only have now 22 and the eradication is continuing, " he said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte said Albayalde will remain PNP Chief until there are pieces of evidence that could prove his direct involvement with the erring cops.
"I have to follow due process and allow him time to answer. The right to be heard is given to criminals, to kidnappers. It should be given to a general of the Philippine National Police," the President said.